By Victoria Shirley
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- "Without Philip, my momma would have never survived" said Sandra Neathery, a pharmacy employee.
Sandra Neathery's mom struggled with the lung disease. But she couldn't afford the medicine she needed to help her breath. The family turned to Delhi Pharmacist Philip Cash for help.
"He let my mom have her medicine and didn't charge her, he ate that cost." said Neathery.
Thanks to Cash, Sandra says her mother was able to enjoy the last years of her life. Pharmacy co-owner Glenda Cash says helping people is what this family pharmacy is all about.
"Philip is the type of person that really cares for the people. He feels like he is here to service the people." said Cash.
There are four independently owned pharmacies in Delhi. Philip's customers say they keep coming back to this one because he's much more than just a pharmacist, he's also a friend.
"I just like the family feel, you know each other, you're involved in each others lives." said loyal customer Renee Fuller.
With loans and a shoe string budget, Philip and Glenda Cash set up shop in 1988. Starting a business wasn't easy. Philip remembers that there was a lot of worry and plenty of sleepless nights.
"It was a struggle, everyday all the time." said Philip Cash. Despite the hardships, the endeavor has been worthwhile. Long time friend and drug supplier Quentin Bostain agrees.
"It's just good for the community, over the years they've been real good to the community" said Bostain.
Small town pharmacies like this one are on the decline. When Medicare Part D took effect in 2006, nearly a thousand rural pharmacies went out of business. "The margins are getting smaller and smaller. The drug prices are going higher and higher and it seems like the pharmacies are getting caught in the middle." said Pharmacy Owner Philip Cash.
Despite the medicare setback, the cash family pushed forward. To make up for lost revenue from drugs, they turned part of the pharmacy into a boutique.
So what's the secret to surviving 24 years in business? "Without the customer, we wouldn't have a business." said Glenda Cash.
