In the prime of his life, family man and volunteer athletic coach Eric Borstein began experiencing unusual fatigue — but he didn't take action.

"I didn't go to the doctor," Borstein recalled. "Not because I was ignoring the symptoms, but because as I got sicker and sicker, I became more scared."

That fear kept him from seeking care until the day he collapsed from massive right-heart failure. He spent 16 days in the intensive care unit, where he received a devastating diagnosis: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare, chronic, and progressive disease with no cure. Given the severity of his condition, doctors told him he might have only months to live and would need to rely on a small, portable pump to deliver round-the-clock, lifesaving medication.

"I made a decision in the hospital that I was going to live," Borstein said.

And he did.

After returning home, Borstein continued treatment using the pump and received in-home nursing support during his recovery. About a year after his diagnosis, he was able to come off the pump and transition to oral medications — defying expectations. He credits that progress to what he calls the "pieces of his pie," the elements that keep him grounded, motivated, and emotionally strong.

Borstein's "Pieces of the Pie"

• Positive emotional well-being
• Daily exercise
• Nutrition
• His "village" — family, friends, community, a psychologist, and his full health care team — including CVS Specialty support for life-sustaining therapies, education, and 24/7 pharmacist access, along with CVS Specialty/Coram in-home nursing during his first year after diagnosis.

Why Emotional Well-Being Matters

Living with — or caring for someone with — a chronic illness can make it difficult to stay positive. Physical symptoms, lifestyle changes, and uncertainty about the future can lead to sadness, frustration, or depression. Research shows the opposite is also true: cultivating positive emotions and optimism can support physical health and improve overall well-being.

Borstein made a conscious choice to stay hopeful, even in the hardest moments. He leaned on each "piece of his pie" to support his recovery and offers these insights for others navigating chronic illness.

Borstein's Tips for Patients and Caregivers

• Don't ignore symptoms. If something feels off, seek medical care — early action can save lives.
• Support your whole self. Prioritize mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health.
• Lean on your village. You don't have to navigate illness alone — accept help the way you'd offer it to others.
• Move your body in ways that feel good. For Borstein, daily walks became the foundation of his wellness routine.
• Use your health care team fully. Doctors, nurses, therapists, and pharmacists are all part of your support system.

How Chronic Illness Inspired a Mission to Help Others

Borstein kept walking — and those walks became something bigger.

"A mile slowly turned into two, then three. Eventually, I was walking longer and longer distances," he said. "I started getting recognized throughout the neighborhood and earned the nickname 'The Walking Guy.'"

His children sparked the idea for Where Is E.B.?, a fundraiser for Team PHenomenal Hope, a nonprofit that provides support for people living with pulmonary hypertension nationwide, particularly those facing the greatest need. Borstein now serves as chair of the organization's board of directors.

"These last two Septembers, we've hosted a 5K in Santa Monica, and I walk from L.A. to San Diego to raise awareness and funds," Borstein said. "We've raised more than $420,000 to help patients with pulmonary hypertension who need it most."

CVS Specialty PAH Care

CVS Specialty supports patients with a range of pulmonary hypertension (PH) conditions, including PAH, with resources designed to simplify the patient experience, improve access to therapy, and help enhance outcomes through:

• Streamlined onboarding, including proactive prior authorization submission support and connections to third-party financial assistance
• Access to all FDA-approved PH therapies — oral, inhaled, injectable, and infused
• A CVS Specialty PH Center of Excellence focused on best practices for medication therapy support
• A dedicated fleet of CVS Specialty/Coram PH nurses, 100% focused on PAH patients
• 24/7 access to PH-specialized pharmacists
• Digital tools that make it easy to refill eligible medications, make payments, and track deliveries

A case manager can also help patients understand their medications, manage side effects, and stay emotionally supported throughout treatment.

"CVS Specialty really became a lifeline," Borstein said. "They've become a big part of my village."

Learn more about services that may be available to support you or a loved one living with chronic illness at CVSHealth.com.