Change Maker Chronicle: Issue 12, Quarter 2, 2025

The latest edition of The Change Maker Chronicle is here!

We're taking bold steps and sharing real stories as we push the movement to end drug shortages to the NEXT LEVEL.

In this issue, hear directly from Shortage Warriors whose voices are driving change, explore major advocacy milestones, and get a first look at what’s ahead in Q3. From national policy impact to community-powered action, this edition shows what’s possible when Change Makers like you stand with us.

👉 Read the Changemaker Chronicle: Issue 12, Quarter 2, 2025

Together, we’re leveling up the mission—because every patient deserves access to the medicine they need.

Two Nonprofits, One Mission

Fighting Drug Shortages Together

At the Oley Foundation, our mission for over four decades has been to support people who rely on parenteral and enteral nutrition (PN and EN). As CEO, I’ve witnessed firsthand how fragile our drug supply chain can be—especially for the medically complex patients who depend on life-sustaining therapies every single day.

Until recently, it felt like we were fighting that battle alone.

That changed two years ago, when I first connected with Laura Bray, founder of Angels for Change. Laura had been working closely with manufacturers, distributors, and government agencies to improve access to sterile, generic injectable medications. While her focus spanned many therapies, one kept surfacing in her data: parenteral nutrition.

A single PN bag can contain 40–70 ingredients, each one sterile, and many sourced as generic injectables—often among the most at-risk for shortage. In hospitals, PN is compounded daily. At home, it’s delivered weekly. Any break in the chain can be catastrophic.

A Shared Purpose

From our first conversation, it was clear: Angels for Change and the Oley Foundation weren’t just aligned in mission—we shared values.

Laura’s patient-centered approach, her respect for lived experience, and her deep dive into shortage data resonated with everything we advocate for at Oley. Together, we committed to changing the narrative from quiet resignation—“you get what you get, so don’t pitch a fit”—to one of action, advocacy, and accountability.

Real-World Collaboration

Over the past two years, our partnership has taken many forms:

• Emergency Response: In September 2024, when a hurricane disrupted a major manufacturer’s operations, Angels for Change activated its national network, while Oley mobilized our support lines. Together, we ensured that vulnerable home infusion patients didn’t fall through the cracks.

• National Convenings: Laura invited me to speak at several supply chain resilience panels—always making sure the patient voice was part of the conversation. In turn, Oley amplified Angels for Change’s proposals at our forums, giving them the weight of real community experience.

• Joint Advocacy: In March 2025, I was proud to join Laura in briefing the Republican Doctor Caucus on Capitol Hill. We spotlighted how drug shortages endanger not just PN patients—but our entire healthcare system.

It’s Personal, Too

This partnership isn’t just strategic—it’s personal. Laura and I check in often, not just to share data or plan advocacy, but to support one another. We celebrate the wins—like securing an emergency line item in a state budget—and we troubleshoot the tough moments, when shortages reappear or policy progress stalls.

In a field where organizations often operate in silos, our collaboration stands out. Two women, leading two nonprofits, with one shared purpose: making sure no patient goes without the therapy they need.

Looking Ahead

Our joint goal remains simple and urgent: A day when every patient—no matter where they live—receives their full, customized therapy exactly when it’s needed.

I’m honored to stand beside Laura Bray and the Angels for Change team in this fight—and deeply grateful for the friendship, trust, and shared determination that powers our work.

— Beth Gore, PhD

Chief Executive Officer

The Oley Foundation

Project PROTECT Grant Awarded to Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Angels for Change Partners with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to Combat Oncology Drug Shortages
New Project PROTECT Grant Targets National Supply Gaps in Carboplatin and Methotrexate Injections

TAMPA, FL – June 23, 2025 – In a decisive move to safeguard pediatric cancer patients from life-threatening drug shortages, Angels for Change has awarded a 2025 Project PROTECT grant to a 503B Outsourcing Facility operated by the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company.

This groundbreaking partnership will fast-track the production of two essential chemotherapy drugs—Carboplatin Injection and Methotrexate Injection—both currently in critical national shortage. By expanding onshore manufacturing and supply readiness, the collaboration aims to ensure timely access to these life-saving medications for patients and healthcare providers across the country during shortage.

This marks the first collaboration between the patient advocacy nonprofit and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company who share a mission to prevent and mitigate drug shortages.

“Through Project PROTECT, we’re proactively safeguarding patients from drug shortages before they become crises,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker of Angels for Change. “Partnering with trusted innovators like Mark Cuban Cost Plus ensures that even during supply chain disruptions, patients can access the medications they depend on without delays.”

A Proactive Approach to Prevention

Launched in 2022, Project PROTECT (Proactive Response to Essential Drug Shortages through End-to-End Coordination and Trust) is the only national program that funds pharmaceutical production before shortages reach critical levels. By leveraging predictive data and strategic onshore manufacturing partnerships, the initiative creates a robust safety net for at-risk medications.

The 2025 grant will support targeted infrastructure investments and expanded manufacturing of Carboplatin and Methotrexate—two cornerstone drugs in cancer treatment protocols.

“These medications are essential to cancer care,” said Alex Oshmyansky, Founder & CEO, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. “We are proud to work alongside Angels for Change to help ensure they remain available for every patient who needs them.”

Building a Resilient Future for Patient Access

PROTECT represents a new standard in pharmaceutical supply chain resilience—focusing on transparency, early intervention, and patient-first solutions. By anticipating potential shortages and investing in readiness, Angels for Change and Mark Cuban Cost Plus are reshaping how the healthcare system protects access to vital medications.

About Project PROTECT
Project PROTECT is a national initiative that provides grants to 503B Outsourcing Facilities to proactively manufacture essential medications at risk of shortage. Learn more: www.angelsforchange.org/project-protect

About Angels for Change
Angels for Change is a nonprofit patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.

About Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company is committed to making medications more affordable and accessible by offering them at transparent, low-cost prices. The company partners directly with manufacturers to help fix the broken pharmaceutical supply chain. Learn more: www.markcubancostplusdrugcompany.com

Angels for Change Announces New Chief of Staff & General Counsel

Angels for Change Appoints Chairwoman of the Board Alison Verges Walters as Full-Time Chief of Staff & General Counsel

TAMPA, FL – May 7, 2025 – Angels for Change (A4C), the nation’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to ending drug shortages, proudly announces that Chairwoman of the Board, Alison Verges Walters, has accepted a full-time role as Chief of Staff & General Counsel. This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in A4C’s growth and commitment to ensuring no patient goes without critical medications.

A founding board member, Walters has played a central role in guiding A4C’s mission and vision since its inception. Over the past three years, she has served as both Chairwoman of the Board and liaison to the Advisory Board in a volunteer capacity. Her personal connection to A4C’s mission—paired with her proven leadership and legal acumen—uniquely equips her to lead the organization into its next phase of impact.

With more than two decades of experience in litigation, compliance, and organizational leadership within the Creditors’ Rights industry, Walters brings a wealth of expertise to her new position. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Alison into this vital full-time role,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker of Angels for Change. “Her contributions over the past five years have already saved lives. With Alison now fully dedicated to our mission, we’re even closer to ending drug shortages for all patients.”

Reflecting on her new role, Walters said: “It’s an honor to formally join Angels for Change as Chief of Staff & General Counsel. For five years, I’ve been proud to stand alongside Laura and the Bray family on this journey. I’m excited to devote myself fully to creating systemic change and ensuring no patient is left without access to life-saving medication.”

About Angels for Change
Angels for Change is a global, volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Tampa, Florida, working to end drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and the creation of a more resilient supply chain. The organization was founded by Laura Bray after her own daughter faced three life-threatening drug shortages during pediatric cancer treatment. Today, A4C advocates for patients experiencing life-saving drug shortages, operates the nation's only Drug Shortage Hotline (DSH), and collaborates across the pharmaceutical supply chain to eliminate these preventable healthcare crises. Learn more at www.angelsforchange.org.

STAQ Pharma Awarded Project PROTECT Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL APRIL 22, 2025—Angels for Change is pleased to announce a significant update on Project PROTECT, a national initiative focused on preventing drug shortages through strategic partnerships with trusted essential medicine manufacturers.

STAQ Pharma, a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, has completed the necessary preparations to manufacture two life-saving medications—Furosemide and Bumetanide—both vital for treating heart failure, kidney disease, and liver conditions. These medications are currently listed on the FDA and ASHP drug shortage lists.

Additionally, STAQ Pharma has been awarded a 2025 Project PROTECT grant to develop and produce Magnesium Sulfate 40 mg/mL in 50 mL IV bags, a medication critical in emergency care, particularly for pregnant patients experiencing life-threatening complications.

“Partnering with Angels for Change enables us to proactively address critical shortages and ensure medications like Furosemide and Bumetanide remain available to healthcare systems and patients who depend on them,” said Mark Spiecker, President of STAQ Pharma.

Strengthening the Healthcare Supply Chain

Launched in 2022, Project PROTECT was designed to reinforce the U.S. healthcare supply chain by providing grants to 503B outsourcing suppliers, such as STAQ Pharma. This initiative ensures that life-saving medications are prepared in advance of supply chain disruptions, helping healthcare systems remain resilient in times of crisis.

STAQ Pharma’s 2025 Project PROTECT grant will ensure the production of Magnesium Sulfate, adding to its previous awards for Furosemide, Bumetanide, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride. This positions STAQ Pharma as a critical protector of five essential medications, maintaining a steady supply of vital drugs in ready-to-administer formats for healthcare providers nationwide. The PROTECT partnership with STAQ has already helped support hundreds of thousands of patients during shortages and was recognized by CNN in 2023. 

“Through Project PROTECT, we’re taking critical steps to shield patients from drug shortages. By working with trusted partners like STAQ Pharma, we’re ensuring that the most vulnerable medications are available, even during national emergencies,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change.

STAQ Pharma’s Role in Addressing Drug Shortages

STAQ Pharma remains focused on proactively addressing supply gaps caused by seasonal, market, or environmental disruptions. As a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, STAQ is committed to producing high-quality, reliable medications that healthcare systems can depend on—especially during times of uncertainty.

“We’re proud to work with Angels for Change to create long-term solutions that safeguard patient care,” said Jeff Hval, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at STAQ Pharma.

About Project PROTECT

Project PROTECT is an innovative program that grants 503B Outsourcing Facilities to ensure the continuous availability of essential medications vulnerable to shortages. By proactively supporting the production of life-saving drugs, Project PROTECT strengthens the resilience of the healthcare supply chain. To learn more, visit www.angelsforchange.org/project-protect.

About Angels for Change

Angels for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and building a resilient supply chain. For more information, visit www.angelsforchange.org.

About STAQ Pharma

STAQ Pharma is a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier that supplies critical medications to healthcare systems nationwide. With two FDA-registered facilities, STAQ delivers high-quality sterile injectables, IV bags, and syringes to help providers navigate drug shortages and support patient care. Learn more at www.staqpharma.com.

Issue 11, Quarter 1, 2025 of the Change Maker Chronicle

The Spring edition of The Change Maker Chronicle is here!

We’re taking you to the NEXT LEVEL with bold steps, real stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s NEXT in the fight to end drug shortages. In this issue, you’ll hear from some of our Shortage Warriors and experience the powerful impact their voices have on the community. From milestone wins to what’s ahead in Q2, see how we continue to LEVEL UP our mission—together.

👉 Read the Changemaker Chronicle: Issue 11, Quarter 1, 2025

This is what is possible when Change Makers like you join us in the NEXT LEVEL of the fight to end drug shortages!

#NextLevel2025
#LevelUp
#EndingDrugShortagesNOW
#ChangeMakerChronicle