Katy’s Story

Katy learned about the Infusion Access Foundation’s Champions Weekend through The Elliot Lewis Center. Katy was inspired and submitted an application, she was ultimately chosen to attend Champions Weekend in December 2024. The Infusion Access Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to expand access to provider administered infusions and injections, while advocating and educating patients. Katy describes her experience at Champions Weekend as the opportunity to “strengthen advocacy skills, amplify patient voices, and gain the tools needed to push for better healthcare policies.”

In her own words…

My time at Champions’ Weekend in Austin, TX was an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Infusion Access Foundation, for accepting me into the 2024 class of Champions! I met some truly inspiring individuals — all living with different chronic illnesses. 

My journey with multiple sclerosis has shown me how the unexpected can lead to a new purpose. I’ve discovered the strength of resilience and the power of sharing my story. Advocacy has become my passion; through advocacy, I can raise awareness and build connections, empower others, and drive meaningful change in my community and beyond. 

Champions’ Weekend focused on fostering a community among patients with different diseases who receive provider-administered treatments like infusions and injections. The group of champions spent the weekend sharing stories, empowering each other, and learning how to take action between lots of snacks, queso, and a delicious Mediterranean meal prepared by a private chef!! 

Infusion Access Foundation staff shared their incredible knowledge and wisdom by leading discussions on important issues like Step Therapy, Non-Medical Switching, Copay Accumulators, Copay Assistance, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) — all obstacles that make it harder for patients to get the care they need. 

We were given tools to craft impactful advocacy pitches for lawmakers and discovered key opportunities to advocate. We were encouraged to put these skills to work both at the state and national level Hill Days.

Personal videos were created throughout the weekend to ensure our voices are heard for years to come. Getting “camera ready” by a professional hair and makeup artist was a special treat. 

What made Champions’ Weekend especially powerful was the bond we formed. Nine strangers (and a service dog) from various states, each navigating different phases of their own lives with chronic illnesses came together in a way that turned first encounters into easy camaraderie and familiar pals. There is something incredible about being surrounded by people who truly “get it” – by showing up every day, fighting their own battles while striving for progress and impact.

MS has thrown me some curveballs but it has also provided me with phenomenal people in my life, opened incredible doors, and uncovered my inner strength. Here’s to making a difference and inspiring others to take action for better healthcare policies — one pitch at a time.