Jeff Bolle, the varsity football and baseball coach at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, died from stage 4 cancer in December after being unable to continue his chemotherapy treatment when the life-saving drug cisplatin hit a nationwide shortage. Despite undergoing surgery and four rounds of chemo, his cancer continued to grow as he was forced to stop treatment. His dedication to coaching remained strong as he continued to show up for his players even in his darkest days, attending games and sitting on the sidelines in a wheelchair. His commitment to his team helped prolong his life, as he passed away after seven months without the necessary drug treatment.
Connie Bolle, Jeff’s wife, shared that Jeff’s dedication to his players was unwavering, even rating game films on his laptop while in the intensive care unit. His love for coaching and mentoring was evident in his actions, as he continued to support his team despite his declining health. He made it to every single one of their games, ultimately witnessing them win the division one state championship football title. Connie believes that Jeff’s commitment to his players and finishing the season helped extend his life as he battled cancer.
Despite his illness, Jeff’s care for others remained a priority, with Connie noting his concern about cancer patients struggling to access chemotherapy drugs. Jeff’s death highlighted the struggles faced by thousands of cancer patients in the United States as the nation deals with a significant shortage of chemotherapy drugs. Multiple drugs, including methotrexate, pluvicto, cisplatin, and carboplatin, have been on the FDA drug shortage list, impacting cancer patients’ access to critical treatment. Oncology centers across the country reported shortages of chemotherapy medications, affecting patients with various types of cancer.
The shortage of chemotherapy drugs has had a significant impact on cancer patients, with 15 oncology agents currently in shortage according to the FDA’s list. Agents used in the treatment of incurable cancer and oncological imaging are among the most affected, further complicating cancer patients’ access to necessary treatments. While the FDA does not manufacture drugs, they are working closely with manufacturers and others in the supply chain to address and mitigate the impact of the drug shortages on healthcare providers and patients. The ongoing efforts aim to prevent or reduce the impact of intermittent or reduced availability of vital cancer treatment medications.
Jeff Bolle’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by cancer patients when access to life-saving chemotherapy drugs is limited due to nationwide shortages. Despite his battle with cancer, Jeff’s dedication to coaching and mentoring his players remained strong until the end, highlighting his selflessness and care for others. The impact of the chemotherapy drug shortage on cancer patients across the United States underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address and alleviate the challenges faced by those in need of critical treatments. Through awareness and collaboration, steps can be taken to ensure that cancer patients have access to the necessary medications for their care and treatment.
