I was diagnosed with #childhoodcancer stage III Wilm’s tumor when I was four years old. I received a nephrectomy, full abdominal and pelvic radiation, and a year and a half of chemotherapy including #vincristine. You all knew this was coming.... thread 👇🏻 #cancermeds4kids /1 
If you haven't heard, we are facing a massive disaster in #pediatriconcology right now because there is a shortage of the chemo drug, #vincristine, which is used to treat (and often cure) a ton of types of #childhoodcancer including mine. Pardon me, but this is super fucked up /2
The drug company, @TevaUSA (@tevapharm) decided to discontinue #Vincristine because of “business reasons.” Which we all know is code for profitability. They did not give enough notice to the other supplier, @pfizer, to have enough time to ramp up production and meet demand /3
There is NO appropriate replacement drug that can be used in the place of #vincristine. That means that every well-planned out chemo protocol for a sick kid is screwed. They can’t just send in the second string Vincristine. THERE IS NO APPROPRIATE SUBSTITUTE! #cancermeds4kids /4
A major drug shortage means rationing cancer drugs. That means forcing healthcare providers to prioritize #childhoodcancer patients to pick who gets treatment and who doesn't. This is not ethical. This is not right. This is not ok. #cancermeds4kids /5
And while @pfizer is working double-time to fill this #Vincristine gap ASAP, it's not fast enough and #childhoodcancer patients are missing treatment due to the drug shortage making them at risk of relapse and at risk of literally DYING. #cancermeds4kids /6
.@tevausa's decision to discontinue #vincristine only continues to perpetuate the theory that pharmaceutical companies are big evil empires that have the cure for cancer and are holding it hostage because it won’t make them enough money. #cancermeds4kids /7
Imagine having a kid with cancer. Imagine having to watch your kid endure treatment. Imagine the impact on your family. Now imagine not having drug access and that there isn't an equally effective substitute. This is the reality. You angry yet? You heartbroken? #cancermeds4kids/8
Ironically this story broke a few weeks after #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth. It's not okay that this could happen again. It's inexcusable. This belongs on a national agenda, this deserves continued news coverage. Keep sharing 👏. #cancermeds4kids /9 nytimes.com/2019/10/14/hea…
Channel your anger into action. Let's continue to discuss advocacy steps. @COGorg has outlined some key action steps in their letter (#hero). Let's not let this conversation die. Do it for kids like me. Cause we sure as hell deserve more. Thanks for listening✌️#cancermeds4kids/10
(Update from @COGorg) For any family that is currently having difficulty obtaining #vincristine for their child, the @US_FDA recommends that you contact them at drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov #cancermeds4kids
@COGorg @US_FDA I don't doubt that @TevaUSA's discontinuation of #Vincristine impacted shortage, but @pfizer experienced manufacturing issues, @US_FDA wasn't getting feedback. Don't get distracted by a #BigPharma witch hunt, this is a complicated failure of our entire system. #cancermeds4kids/11
The @COGorg is pushing for Congress to stabilize the national supply of #childhoodcancer drugs like #Vincristine & address the regulatory and economic policies that result in our country being at the top of drug shortage lists #cancermeds4kids /12
In the meantime, #childhoodcancer patients are waiting for #Vincristine as there is no substitution and only 1 supplier left. Continue to share &raise awareness. Follow @COGorg @cac2org and listen to this webinar from an actual expert👏 bit.ly/31AHKRJ #cancermeds4kids/13
