#patients first

“I’ve heard this before, This insidious pain you describe, That grinds and gnaws Diffusely below the stomach, Then wanders briefly away. For weeks and weeks, It returned in waves, Until today it wouldn’t wane.

I’ve heard this before, This medical history so pristine, That some weight loss And traces of yellowing skin Barely triggered any worry, Until your “healthy” body That never needed a pill, Finally demanded one for pain.

I’ve heard this before, This simple question of why, From another voice, another face, Awaiting the same answer. Soon the blood tests, the scans, And a tap of the belly would unfold, With menacing familiarity This story told and retold.

I’ve heard this before, This cry from my heavy heart, Weeping at what it knows. Yet I must stay strong And let the inner storm calm To face your worried gaze, For in a moment, From me you will hear first, About an unwelcome guest, A worrisome growth, That in your body has found home.

Though nothing I say Can take it away, I wish you, And those who love you, Peace, And positive thoughts that sing Louder than anything I’ve heard before.”

The medicines our industry develops have transformed diseases that were once death sentences into manageable conditions. Millions of patients are alive today because someone in pharma refused to stop searching for a better treatment. The problem isn’t a lack of people who care. The problem is that the business often measures something else. (more…)

awesome.