Cornerstone mourns the passing today of the inspirational Michael Yakubovich. Michael was a principled and righteous leader who, if not for the evil of cancer, would be serving in the New Hampshire Senate today. Michael was as compassionate and kind as he was forceful in fighting against injustice. The Granite State is a darker place today without the light of his example. Michael had the strength of a warrior in his fight against cancer. He pursued emerging treatments energetically while remaining physically active, playing music, and staying politically engaged. Last summer, Michael had regained enough energy to step forward as a leader of New Hampshire's Right to Try movement. HB 701, a Right to Try bill signed by Governor Ayotte in August, was named in Michael's honor. In the fall, legislators introduced two more Right to Try bills—one of which was again named for Michael with his blessing. The House resoundingly endorsed both bills two weeks ago, and Governor Ayotte asked the legislature to pass them. Then, as now, Right to Try faced relentless opposition. But Michael, driven by empathy for sick and suffering patients, never backed down. One year ago, Michael wrote of opponents of Right to Try: "I have no nice words for them, considering they are fighting the most fragile & damaged people on the planet." Michael rejected the idea that pro-innovation reforms should involve years of protracted deliberation. He explained his position in an op-ed he wrote last May. "When you or someone you love hears the words 'you have cancer,' your world stops," he wrote. "The flood of emotions is overwhelming." "But what comes next is just as hard. You begin a fight for your life. And in that fight, time is everything. You don't have the luxury of waiting for years of bureaucratic reviews and regulatory approvals. You need options. Now." This morning, around the time Michael passed away, state legislators were discussing Right to Try in a committee of conference. As we pray for peace for Michael's family and loved ones, we also pray that legislators will do the right thing, move Right to Try forward, and continue to honor Michael's legacy and example.