Celebrating PAN’s first advocacy day on Capitol Hill

On September 28, a passionate coalition of more than 40 patients, family members, and caregivers representing 15 states and one U.S. territory brought their message to Capitol Hill, engaging in 160 powerful legislative meetings. This historic event marked the PAN Foundation’s inaugural in-person Advocacy Action Day. PAN’s unified voice resonated, urging Congress to champion legislation addressing timely access to affordable and equitable healthcare for all.

Meanwhile, supporters from across the country rallied together for PAN’s second Virtual Day of Action, sending more than 5,000 emails to legislators, echoing the messages of the PAN delegation on the Hill.

“Our patients exemplify unmatched passion and determination. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness their resilience. Last month, this courageous group bravely gave voice to their experiences, struggles, and hope as they met with members of Congress and their staff,” said PAN’s Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Amy Niles. “I believe that our delegation left an impact, buoyed by the thousands of emails sent by our advocacy community across the country.”

PAN also named grant recipient and Patient and Family Advisory Council member, George Valentine, as the inaugural Advocacy Impact Award recipient. This award is given to a person who has demonstrated dedication to increasing affordable prescription access and uplifting the patient voice through their advocacy work.

“I’m not going to change the government tomorrow,” said George upon accepting this award. “Everything I do from the advocacy perspective is about changing one thought, one person’s mind, and if I do that, I consider that a success.”

As a passionate advocate who has supported PAN’s push for access and affordability through grassroots campaigns, George has spoken about his experience at conferences, and even shared his story with Time Magazine. George, who lives in Texas with his wife Cheryl, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2002 and served in the information technology industry for over 40 years before retiring in 2019.

In-person and virtual advocates asked Congress to support several pieces of legislation, including: 

• The Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act 
• The Safe Step Act 
• Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act 
• Prior Authorization (legislation not yet introduced) 

Advocates on the Hill also thanked Congress for supporting historic Medicare reforms through the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, the focal point of PAN’s inaugural Action Day last year. Many of the members of PAN’s advocacy community either have Medicare insurance or have loved ones with Medicare insurance, and these reforms are already having an impact on their lives. 
 
Learn more about PAN’s advocacy and education efforts, including our annual Virtual Day of Action.  
 
To get real-time alerts about advocacy news and opportunities to advocate with PAN, join our advocacy updates email list.  
 

About the PAN Foundation  

The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.  

Since 2004, we have provided more than 1.1 million underinsured patients with over $4 billion in financial assistance. Partnering with generous donors, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, we provide the underinsured population access to the healthcare treatments they need to best manage their conditions and focus on improving their quality of life. Learn more at panfoundation.org.