Patients Rising

Michelle knows what it means to fight for care that should never have been difficult to access in the first place.

After her daughter Leslie was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome nearly 28 years ago, Michelle found herself battling insurance companies for therapies, medications and support services that directly impact quality of life.

Instead of stepping back, she stepped further into advocacy.

Michelle went on to serve as a board member and Board Chair of PWSA/USA, later expanding her work into government-level advocacy because she believes real change happens when lawmakers hear directly from patients and caregivers living these issues every day.

As part of the Patients Rising Patient Senate, Michelle brings a perspective shaped by decades of experience navigating Medicaid, insurance barriers and the long-term realities families face when care systems fail to communicate across state lines. She is passionate about improving Medicaid portability for adults with disabilities, reforming the role of PBMs and ensuring patient voices are part of policy conversations from the beginning, not as an afterthought.

We appreciate your advocacy, Michelle!