The Rise Awards: The Power of Ten

Kris McCabe & "Grams"

Kris McCabe made a decision many people her age would never imagine making. She chose to devote herself full-time to caring for her grandmother as Alzheimer’s disease progressed. Through Life With Grams, she shares the unfiltered reality of 24-hour caregiving. The exhaustion. The tenderness. The setbacks. The love that carries them through. What began as a deeply personal commitment has become a source of recognition and strength for caregivers across the country who rarely see their work acknowledged.

Why We’re Honoring Her

Because she represents the millions of unpaid caregivers who quietly put their lives on hold for the people they love. Her voice reminds the country that caregiving is not peripheral to healthcare. It is central to it.

Demeshia "Deme" Montgomery

Deanna Darlington

Deanna Darlington has spent more than twenty-five years working at the intersection of patient advocacy, public policy, and access to care. Throughout her career in biotechnology and oncology policy, including her work at Amgen and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, she focused on strengthening dialogue between patient communities, industry, and policymakers. In founding Links2Equity, she expanded that work to center underserved and underrepresented communities, advancing engagement across disease states and ensuring that patient voice informs access and reimbursement decisions nationwide.

The Demeshia Montgomery Impact Award is named in honor of Demeshia “Deme” Montgomery, who served on the Patients Rising Board of Directors and as President of the Patient Senate. Deme believed deeply in preparing patients to lead, not simply to participate. Her leadership strengthened our advocacy community and helped elevate patient voices at every level of engagement.

Deanna’s career reflects that same commitment to sustained, principled advocacy. This award recognizes the kind of long-term leadership that strengthens patient voice across organizations and across communities.

Why We Present This Award
To honor leaders whose work extends beyond one title or one institution, and whose commitment strengthens the broader movement for patient voice nationwide.

Elisabeth Potter, MD

Dr. Elisabeth Potter is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has become a national voice for patient access to timely, high-quality surgical care. In addition to her clinical practice, she has spoken publicly about the growing administrative and regulatory barriers that can delay or limit medically necessary treatment. Her willingness to raise concerns — even when difficult — reflects a deep commitment to protecting the doctor–patient relationship and ensuring patients receive the care they need without unnecessary interference.

Why We’re Honoring Her
For demonstrating courage in clinical practice and public advocacy and for standing firmly in defense of patient access and medical integrity.

Baylen Dupree

Baylen Dupree has used her public platform to bring visibility to life with Tourette syndrome, sharing candid insight into the realities of living with a misunderstood neurological condition. Through her show, Baylen Out Loud on TLC Network,  she has invited millions of viewers into her daily life, helping to demystify Tourette syndrome and expand understanding beyond headlines and stereotypes. Through both her television presence and social media platforms, Baylen challenges stigma, educates audiences, and normalizes conversations around neurological health. Her openness has not only expanded awareness, but also encouraged greater empathy and confidence for individuals navigating chronic and complex conditions.

Why We’re Honoring Her
For using her voice unapologetically and publicly — helping to reshape how patients with neurological conditions are seen, understood, and included in broader healthcare conversations.