The Champions Weekend Application Process

Aug 13, 2026 | Champions Weekend

Every year, Champions Weekend brings together an incredible cohort of patient advocates from across the country to connect, train, and amplify their voices for better healthcare access. 

 
We often get asked: “How does the selection process actually work?” 
 
Because space for Champions Weekend is limited, we’ve built a selection framework designed to be as fair, objective, and thoughtful as possible. Whether you’re thinking about applying in the future or just curious about how our team works behind the scenes, here is a step-by-step look at how a Champion is chosen! 
 

Step 1: The 30-Day Application Window 📝  (Sept 1-30, 2026)

Each year, we open public applications for a 30-day window. We invite patients from all walks of life—living with diverse conditions and treatment experiences—to apply. We aren’t looking for professional public speakers; we’re looking for authentic patient experiences and a genuine eagerness to learn, advocate, and support others. 
 

Step 2: The Blind Application Review 🙈 

To eliminate implicit bias and ensure a level playing field, our internal team reviews all applications blindly. That means all identifying information—names, locations, and personal details—is hidden. 
 
Using an objective scoring rubric, our reviewers evaluate each applicant based strictly on their answers, alignment with our advocacy goals, and their readiness to take the next step in their leadership journey. 

 

Step 3: Face-to-Face Video Interviews 💻 (Oct 13-30, 2026)

Once application scores are tallied, we invite approximately 15 top-scoring candidates to a video chat interview with members of our team. This is our favorite part of the process! It allows us to get to know the person behind the application, hear their story in their own words, and answer any questions they have about the program. 
 

Step 4: Final Selection & The Waitlist Process 🤝 (Oct 31, 2026)

After interviews wrap up, our full selection committee reconvenes to combine application scores and interview insights to finalize our cohort rankings. When official invitations are sent out, we also notify applicants who have been placed on our waitlist. If an invited Champion is ultimately unable to attend due to health, work, or personal commitments, we carefully work our way down the waitlist to offer the opportunity to the next advocate in line. 

 

The Bottom Line 

Selecting our annual cohort is one of the hardest—and most rewarding—tasks our team undertakes. Every single applicant brings valuable insight and lived experience to the table, and we are continually inspired by the passion within our patient community.