Cole was just 22 years old when his life was tragically cut short. He was a free-spirited young man with his entire life ahead of him. Cole had been diagnosed with asthma at the age of one, facing numerous challenges from poor eyesight, braces, ADD, academic struggles, severe depression, to a serious knee injury right after high school graduation. Despite these hardships, he had been doing well in the past couple of years.

Living independently with his childhood best friend, working full-time, embracing young adulthood, and finally discovering his path in life, Cole was on a positive trajectory. However, in January 2024, just before his 23rd birthday, his life came to an abrupt end. A trip to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription for a steroid inhaler for his asthma turned into a devastating ordeal when he discovered his insurance didn't cover it.

Without access to generic alternatives or "step therapy" options, he faced an exorbitant out-of-pocket cost that was beyond his means. Unable to afford the medication due to high expenses, he left the pharmacy empty-handed. Tragically, five days later, Cole suffered a severe asthma attack leading to cardiac arrest, and he was placed in the ICU on a ventilator. He passed away six days after the attack, just eleven days after attempting to obtain the essential medication. Cole's untimely death could have been prevented.

The greed of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their practices of making medications unattainable resulted in this heartbreaking loss. Let Cole's story be heard. Cole was not one to back down in the face of adversity and let the "tough guy" win. He would never tolerate such injustices. Hence, we will carry on the fight in his honor and for every American enduring similar struggles every day.