Worth the Wait: A Texas-Sized Recap of Champions’ Weekend 2025
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and as it turns out, that includes the heart and resilience of our patient advocates.
While our journey to Austin was delayed by a few months, the wait only made our time together more meaningful. We just returned from the Infusion Access Foundation’s rescheduled Champions’ Weekend, and the consensus is clear: it was worth every extra moment of anticipation.
Tucked away in a serene area of Austin, we traded the hustle of daily life for a relaxing landscape complete with rolling pastures, local cows, and our honorary staff member for the weekend—a sweet farm dog named Frida. It was the perfect backdrop for a group that arrived as strangers and left as a family.
We are profoundly grateful to the ten Champions who joined us. Entrusting a team with your physical well-being and your personal story is no small thing, and we don’t take that trust lightly. This year’s cohort was nothing short of incredible. Despite representing different conditions and backgrounds, they became instant friends, supporting one another through a truly intensive schedule.
From deep dives into the complexities of federal legislation to a high-speed crash course in professional storytelling, we threw a mountain of information at them. They didn’t just handle it—they excelled. Between the advocacy workshops and the bright lights of the filming set, these advocates proved that their voices are the most powerful tools we have.
We’re still buzzing from the energy in that house, and while the weekend has ended, the work is just beginning. We are currently in the editing suite and cannot wait to share the final videos of these amazing leaders.
Stay tuned—you’re going to want to hear what they have to say.
Until then, it’s time to introduce you to our 2025 Champions!

Julie Owens
Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Thyroid Eye Disease, Graves’ Disease, and Acromegaly are medical diagnoses she’s all too familiar with, and, unfortunately, had first-hand experience as a collaborative caregiver and patient. Her yearly travels to the capitol in Tallahassee, FL, and Washington, DC, include spotlighting the inequities, broken legislation, and policies on health care while sharing her story when meeting with local, state, and federal legislators. It is her unrelenting passion that undoubtedly cultivates relationships.

Betty Ajueyitsi

Sarah Thomas
In 2010, Sarah’s life changed when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As an athlete and natural mover, the diagnosis initially felt like a major setback. However, it became the catalyst for her to reimagine her yoga practice and create something greater. Three years later, Sarah launched 365 Yoga Dream, a platform dedicated to offering inclusive and adaptable yoga practices. Her goal is to empower individuals, whether or not they live with chronic illnesses, to tailor yoga to their unique needs.

Stasha Parker

Jawan Elliot
Beyond his advocacy, Jawan is a person who treasures the art of human connection. He firmly believes in the transformative power of a simple “hello” and understands that profound opportunities often arise from the most genuine relationships.

Amy Liles

Mahsa Pazokifard
Mahsa’s vision revolves around promoting equitable health care and research for patients with rare and autoimmune diseases, standing as a testament to the strength of perseverance and the importance of patient empowerment in overcoming adversity.

Sheldon Ekirch
As a lawyer and advocate, Sheldon leverages her expertise to fight for a more just and accessible healthcare system, with a particular focus on supporting those with chronic illnesses. Recognizing that systemic barriers often prevent many from accessing adequate healthcare, she works tirelessly to dismantle them and promote more inclusive policies. Through patient advocacy, writing, and public engagement, Sheldon strives to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses are heard, respected, and included in shaping a healthier, more equitable society.

D’andre Hardy
D’andre Hardy is a 25-year Crohn’s Disease, Ostomate, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa thriver dedicated to health advocacy and inclusive practices for people with chronic, invisible illnesses. As founder of The Seen Society, she equips individuals with career and business tools to maximize employability through an asset-based lens while partnering with organizations to create intentional, inclusive environments. She offers career coaching, keynote talks, and organizational workshops that empower individuals and workplaces to thrive.

Nya Oglesby
Nya is dedicated to serving underserved communities and hopes to one day open a mobile clinic to expand access to specialized care for children and families in need. Outside of medicine, she enjoys creating health education content, mentoring students, and sharing her story through social media to motivate others navigating their own challenges. Nya also loves wedding planning, traveling, trying new foods, spending time with her husband Rashad, and finding joy in life’s small, meaningful moments.
