The State of the Patient Summit & Rise Awards

— Patients Rising presents

An Afternoon Driving Policy Forward & Honoring Advocates

An afternoon of policy discussions and advocacy recognition in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room — the state of the patient, and the people working to change it.

Event DETAILS · Room No. 325

Date

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time

1:00 – 6:30 PM

Program followed by a reception

Place

Kennedy Caucus Room

Russell Senate Office Building · Washington, D.C.

Attire

Business

View the Agenda

The dialogue

State of the Patient Summit

Patients name the barriers limiting their choices, access, and affordability. Policy leaders respond with practical solutions built on transparency, accountability, and patient control. Two panels, one clear-eyed look at where the system fails patients — and how to fix it.

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The recognition

The Rise Awards

The Rise Awards recognize the advocates, innovators, caregivers, and truth-tellers strengthening patient voice nationwide — and support the Legislative Education and Advocate Development (LEAD) program that trains the next generation of patient advocates.

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— The afternoon

Order of the day

A tight, purposeful program — refreshments on arrival, two panels, honors presented throughout, and a reception to close.

1:00 PM

Arrivals & check-in

Light refreshments and beverages.

1:30 PM

Opening remarks & honors

Welcome and the first presentation of honors.

1:45 – 2:45 PM

Panel I

The Invisible Patient: Transparency and Accountability in 340B.

2:45 – 3:15 PM

Networking break

Beverages and conversation.

3:15 PM

Panel II introduction & honors

A further presentation of honors.

3:30 – 4:30 PM

Panel II

Caring for Both: Alzheimer's Treatment Access and the Caregivers Behind Every Patient.

4:30 PM

Closing remarks & honors

Final recognitions and closing.

4:45 – 6:30 PM

Reception

An evening reception to close the day.

Schedule is in draft and subject to final confirmation.

— The 2026 Honorees

Our Honorees

The Rise Awards recognize leaders across advocacy, policy, caregiving, and patient access who have expanded what is possible for patients.

Alex Oshmyansky, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

Access Disruptor Award

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs & Alex Oshmyansky, PhD

For a transparent, cost-plus model that expanded patient access to lower-priced medications.

Policy Innovation Award

David Ridley, PhD

Co-creator of the Priority Review Voucher program advancing treatments for rare and neglected diseases.

Heart of Caregiving Award

Kris McCabe & “Grams”

For Life With Grams and the unfiltered reality of full-time family caregiving.

Caregiving Impact Award

Caregiving

The documentary — executive produced by Bradley Cooper, directed by Chris Durrance — bringing caregiving into the national spotlight.

Demeshia Montgomery Impact Award

Deanna Darlington

Founder of Links2Equity, for a career centering underserved communities in access and advocacy.

Policy Integrity Award

Brian Blase, PhD

President and CEO of the Paragon Health Institute, for reform grounded in data and integrity.

Courage in Care Award

Elisabeth Potter, MD

For courage in clinical practice and public advocacy in defense of patient access.

Relentless Healthcare Transparency Award

Cynthia Fisher

Founder of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, for an unwavering commitment to price transparency.

Advocacy Out Loud Award

Baylen Dupree

For using her social platforms and Baylen Out Loud to reshape our understanding of people living with Tourette's Syndrome.

— The conversation

Two panels

Two conversations at the center of patient policy right now. Panelists will be announced as they are confirmed.

Panel I

The Invisible Patient: Transparency and Accountability in 340B

A federal drug-pricing program built around patients has too often left them invisible. A candid look at what transparency and accountability should deliver — as Congress weighs major 340B reform.

Panelists to be announced

Panel II

Caring for Both: Alzheimer’s Treatment Access and the Caregivers Behind Every Patient

Access to new Alzheimer’s treatments and support for the families who provide daily care are one fight, not two. A look at the legislation working to serve both the patient and the caregiver.

Panelists to be announced

— The setting

The Kennedy Caucus Room

Among the most historic rooms in the United States Capitol complex, the Kennedy Caucus Room has hosted landmark Senate hearings and moments that shaped the nation. To gather here — to talk honestly about patients and to honor those who fight for them — is a genuine privilege.

Russell Senate Office Building
Kennedy Caucus Room (No. 325)
2 Constitution Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20002

We would like to thank the office of Senator Rick Scott for their support in helping us secure this beautiful space.

Before you arrive

All guests pass through a security screening at the entrance, similar to airport security — no photo ID is needed.
Please allow a few extra minutes to clear screening when you arrive.
The building is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms throughout.
The nearest Metro is Union Station (Red Line), a short walk from the building.
Detailed arrival and entrance instructions will be sent to registered guests ahead of the event.

Have an accessibility need or question? Email our event coordinator at events@patientsrising.org and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

Reserve your place in the room

Join us for an afternoon of candid policy dialogue and recognition in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room. Seating is limited, so we're asking guests to register in advance. Complete the form and we'll follow up with confirmation and everything you need to know before you arrive.

What your day includes

Two panels on the policy fights that matter most to patients right now — 340B transparency and Alzheimer's access
The Rise Awards, honoring the advocates, caregivers, and innovators driving patient-centered change
A closing reception to connect with fellow advocates, honorees, and Hill guests

— Attend