I made the decision in the ICU that I wasn't going to die

Six years ago, doctors didn’t expect Eric Borstein to leave the hospital. Today, he’s known as “The Walking Guy” and averages up to 15 miles a day.​

In 2020, Eric collapsed at his Los Angeles home and was hospitalized with severe heart failure. He was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, a rare disease with no cure. Doctors told his wife he might not survive and, even if he did, may have only months to live.​

“I made the decision in the ICU that I wasn’t going to die,” Eric said.​

After 16 days, Eric returned home with a pump that administered medication into his heart around the clock. CVS Specialty delivered the critical medication and supplies he needed each month. During the first year, a CVS Specialty/Coram nurse visited weekly to care for the infusion site, prevent infection and be there for his family.​

“The nurse was so nice and reassuring,” Eric said. “She helped me and answered questions from my wife and children, too. From day one, CVS became a partner, a lifeline and really a member of our family.”​

That support was part of what Eric calls his village: CVS Specialty, his doctors, psychologist, family, friends and community. Positive mental health and walking also became important to managing his health. Walking helped ease the difficult side effects of his medications, and over time, a few steps became a mile—and then many more.​

After a near-complete recovery of his right ventricle, Eric discontinued the pump. Today, he manages PAH with oral medications from CVS Specialty and can ask pharmacists questions at any time.​

Now logging up to 5,000 miles a year, Eric uses those steps to increase awareness and advocate for others.​

Through the “Where is EB?” 5K Walk & Fundraiser, he has raised about $450,000 in two years for Team PHenomenal Hope, a nonprofit that funds pulmonary hypertension​ research and supports underserved patients. The event culminates with his 200-mile walk from Los Angeles to San Diego.​

“Through my story, if I can help one person, I’ve done my job,” Eric said.​