Double D’s

Now get your head out of the gutter, the double “D” stands for; Doxil for Dan. You see Dan Schiavello is a husband to Arlene, a father to Steven and Kira, and a friend to many. Unfortunately, Dan is suffering from Stage IV lung cancer, five years after having a tumor removed from his leg; he’s only 58 years old. The only drug keeping Dan alive for the last five years is called Doxil, previously manufactured by Ben Venue Laboratories and contracted by Johnson & Johnson.  Doxil has facilitated in keeping countless men, women and children alive who are suffering from advanced breast cancer, multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer.  Currently there are close to 2300 people on the waiting list for this life saving drug. The problem you ask? Drug shortage. People that were once on Doxil are now being abruptly cut off, people no different then you and I.

It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are or how much money you make, if you or a loved one rely on Doxil to stay alive; you’re out of luck. The black market is always an option, however, who knows if the formula is correct or if the proper dosage is being applied; it’s basically playing Russian roulette.

Although ALL major therapy areas are affected by drug shortages, cancer drugs took the biggest hit, accounting for 16 percent of all medications in shortage and putting more than 500,000 patients at risk for suddenly losing access to potentially life-saving treatments. This year alone, there are more than 200 medications in short supply. These drug shortages include various chemotherapy treatments, antibiotics, and anesthetics. Drug shortages tripled from 2005 to 2010. It’s not because we can’t make these drugs, it’s because of the ineffectiveness, incompetence and abuse of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA); I personally think it actually stands for (Fraudulence, Dishonesty & Abuse).  The FDA over-regulation of these life saving drugs are making it harder for all of us to treat all forms of illnesses. What’s worse is that many lifesaving drugs are being delayed and censored, not to mention the colossal costs to those who need and depend on them to stay alive.

Dan has spoken publicly about his cancer and struggle in attaining Doxil, the drug that has kept him alive for 5 years. His story recently appeared on Fox News. Dan is not alone; he stands for all people who are currently suffering as he is and whose life depends upon the use of Doxil.

I met Dan a couple of times through my brother John. Once was at a JETS game in 2010 and the other time was recently at the Home Depot in Mahwah. We chatted a bit and then I went off to look for a battery operated power tool for myself (a Dremel 7000) for a second time; get your head out of the gutter! In fact, I can’t even call Dan a friend of mine because I haven’t known him long enough. But, that doesn’t stop me from standing beside him to not only help him fight for his life but, to raise awareness to a very real and gigantic problem that can impinge on any of us at any time. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by one of the greatest authors; Mark Twain.

“There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.”

Dan is certainly in the first group! He has the courage and spirit to stand up and expose the corruption within the FDA and these Pharmaceutical companies and candidly discuss his personal battle with cancer. Dan can’t do this alone, nor should he. He needs help from all. From people who know him and don’t know him. Nothing this significant is accomplished alone and no one should carry the weight of the world alone.  We all need to crusade together and insist that Congress introduce emergency legislation that revokes the ridiculous and obscene over-regulation of life saving drugs that exists today to save countless lives.

I’m sure all of us have been touched by a loved one who has lost their life to cancer and is currently battling some form of illness, would you let that person struggle alone?

That evening after I had bumped into Dan at the Home Depot, I couldn’t stop thinking of ways to help him.  Here’s this drug called Doxil that has kept him alive for 5 years and simple to produce but all of a sudden J&J and the FDA decide to pull it? It smells like legalized extortion, corruption and murder to me!  It would be very irresponsible and apathetic for me just to stand on the side lines and not help save Dan Schiavello’s life and scores of others that depend on Doxil and other life saving drugs. It’s no different than watching someone drown and not jumping in to save him because you’re too afraid to get wet.

So I not only jumped in (with my high heels of course) I contacted Kellie Drakeford LeDet, the Deputy Chief of Staff to our U.S. Senator; Robert Menendez. I explained to Kellie the urgency that is needed to help Dan acquire Doxil to keep him alive. She immediately responded to my appeal and has contacted the Director of constituent services for Senator Menendez who then contacted Mark Reese, the Executive Director, Federal Affairs at Johnson & Johnson and assured me that she’s on top of this dire situation. 

I’m a big believer in the power of prayer and well wishes, regardless of what religion one may practice or believe in…there’s strength in numbers. For this New Years I hope you will join me in quietly saying a prayer for Dan Schiavello and wishing him a very happy and HEALTHY New Year; and of course…Doxil.

Please feel free to contact the office of Senator Robert Menendez at; 202-224-4744 or http://menendez.senate.gov/contact/ and tell him that we need; Doxil for Dan Schiavello!

Wishing You & Your family an abundance amount of Love, Health & Happiness.

Happy New Year,

Sylvia Lasalandra-Frodella