Charity

[Guest guest]

Hi: I am reading all the posts regarding Novartis, and I also never had a

problem with them when I needed them. I have to say though that I participated

in the clinical trial, and when I did the trial they told me that if I ever

should have a problem due to finances that I would be entitled to help for being

in the trial.

I had to take them up on that offer when my husband was out of work for 9

months. As soon as he was working again, I called them to let them know that we

could purchase my Gleevec.

I guess every situation is different. I just went through that only 3

years ago.

[Guest guest]

LLS now has a new program for $5,000. besides the $500.00.

Robin

Dx: 2/12/2009

>

> I must say that I have my own private history with Novartis and their

philantrophy. They expect you to tap into the treasuries of the private

charities before they will agree to " give " you anything. LLS has limited funds

to assist you with your meds and do not cover more than $500 total per year for

all expenses, including transportation of 5 cent a mile. Nevertheless, I am

grateful for this assistance and all the volunteers who volunteer their time and

talents to raise this money. Novartis on the other hand, supplied my Gleevec

for a few months and then demanded that I apply for assistance with PSI, or they

would stop sending me the drugs. I asked if they would really do that, and all

they could say was, " W E L L!!!!!!!!!!! That was the nice thing they said before

hanging up. They not only demanded, but they sent me forms already filled out

with all the pertinent information and harrassed me. All I had to do was date

and sign it. That's my experience with them, I don't know if anyone else had a

similiar problem.

>

> I applied with PSI, was accepted and subsequently went into another trial, so

I never had to use their services, but they said my file would always be open.

When you look at the salaries and perks the CEO's get, I wonder why you have to

grovel to get your " welfare " from a giant like Novartis.

> Blessings,

> Lottie

>

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