Celebrating a Decade of Mobilizing Health Care Missions: CURA Quarterly Newsletter

Hi friends,

As we start off the new year, I find myself thinking about two things: the promise of a new beginning and the profound power of legacy.

For the last several years, I’ve adopted a concept my sister Elizabeth, better known as the Happy Healthy Caregiver, created — a “20 for 2026” list. It’s not about resolutions, but experiences. Things you want to feel, taste and celebrate in the year ahead. High on my list this year? Toasting a decade of CURA. Ten years. It’s a milestone that invites reflection on where we started, the voices we’ve amplified and the tangible change we’ve helped forge with our clients. Our legacy of transforming health care to improve patients’ lives is our foundation. And as we look ahead, it’s also our launchpad into the next ten years. Keep an eye out for more on celebrating CURA 10: A Decade of Mobilizing Health Care Missions.

The final quarter of 2025 proved that purpose-driven work doesn't pause for cold weather or government shutdowns. Read on to see the highlights of how we worked with our partners to empower patient advocates on Capitol Hill, launch a new accountable care Accelerator, facilitate critical conversations on cell and gene therapy and stand with military families fighting for their security.

Our passion to transform health care extends beyond client work. SVP and Partner Scott Leezer (recognized for the second consecutive year as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists, YEAH SCOTT!) shared his lived experience at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, and we were honored to present with the American College of Cardiology at the Council of Medical Specialty Societies’ Annual Meeting. Our CURA Cares charity program proudly supported the Youthcast Media Group as they train the next generation of storytellers, and we rallied beside one of our own at Children’s National Hospital’s Race for Every Child.

So, what’s next? In 2026, we are carrying a decade of legacy forward with fresh momentum. We’ll embrace new experiences, new challenges and new ways to drive impact, forging the path for our clients’ next chapters, just as they have helped define ours.

Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to a year of celebration, croissants, game nights and, most importantly, continued partnership in the fight for a healthier world. What's on your 20 for 2026?

Onward,
Anne

@ Capitol Hill with Accessia Health & DPAC

Accessia Health joined rare and chronic disease advocates to push for legislation that will improve patient access to care like the Safe Step Act and HELP Copays Act. CURA conducted media outreach to local reporters, securing a broadcast interview with Gray TV Local News Live.

The Accessia Health Team joined rare and chronic disease advocates on The Hill.

The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition’s (DPAC) annual Hill Day gave diabetes advocates across the country the chance to meet with members of Congress and staffers, share their stories, and promote policy initiatives on behalf of the diabetes community. CURA helped some of the champions write letters to their local news outlets about their efforts. Both Accessia Health and DPAC used CURA’s Advocacy Academy to prep their advocates.

CURA and DPAC empowered advocates to write letters to their local news outlets.

Every Step Counts: The Children’s Race for Every Child 5K 🏃🏼‍♀️

The Children's National Hospital's Race for Every Child 5K returned on October 18th, bringing the community together to support congenital heart disease (CHD) patients and their families.

One of this year’s race ambassadors was Elliott—a courageous 5-year-old CHD patient and son of CURA’s own Sarah Whitworth. After four successful heart surgeries, Elliott ran to raise funds for the families and nurses in the Cardiac ICU at Children's National.

We’re proud to cheer Elliott on and honored to work with clients like Children's National Hospital, whose dedicated care teams deliver lifesaving treatment to kids like him every day.

Introducing the West Health-Duke Margolis Accelerator

The Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy and West Health debuted a new Accelerator program dedicated to transforming U.S. health care. The Accelerator is focused on strengthening primary care, better supporting older adults, and harnessing technology to improve health outcomes. CURA was proud to support the development of the Accelerator and the exciting event to celebrate its launch.

Advancing Cell and Gene Therapy at the Alliance for Health Policy Signature Seminar 🧬

Once again, our team collaborated with the Alliance for Health Policy. This time we supported their 2025 Signature Seminar on Cell and Gene Therapy. The event convened health policy leaders to consider how to equip the next generation of policymakers with necessary tools that support the development and delivery of cell and gene therapies.

Anne Woodbury, Sarah Whitworth, and Emily Crouch facilitated roundtables at the 2025 Signature Seminar on Cell and Gene Therapy with the Alliance for Health Policy.

Supporting Those Who Serve: Fighting for Fair Pay During the Shutdown

We supported the National Military Family Association's (NMFA) push to ensure servicemember pay during last year’s government shutdown. Through NMFA’s nationwide grassroots letter-writing campaign, nearly 37,000 advocates contacted their Members of Congress. We worked with media and Congress to raise awareness about how the shutdown impacted service families on pay, food and housing insecurity.

NMFA women unite to advocate for fair pay for U.S. servicemembers

Putting Our Best Foot Forward to Raise Awareness for PKD

Our team joined other passionate advocates from across the country for the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation’s (PKD) annual Walk for PKD during PKD Awareness Month! As a proud partner of the PKD Foundation, CURA is committed to advancing their mission year-round. From joining communities nationwide in the Walk for PKD to empowering Advocacy Champions, we help share patient stories, engage Congress and strengthen advocacy for critical PKD research.

Patient advocates deliver powerful testimonies at the congressional reception

CURA team members and loved ones participate in the annual Walk for PKD

Scott Leezer Recognized as One of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in 2025 🏅

CURA’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Partner, Scott Leezer, was recognized as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists for 2025!

Leading CURA’s bipartisan public affairs team, Scott has built a reputation for elevating real-world stories and ensuring that patients, families and advocates are represented in policy conversations on Capitol Hill.

Congratulations, Scott! We’re proud to see your leadership, integrity and commitment to thoughtful, effective advocacy earn you recognition as one of Washington’s top advocates.

ACC Collab @ CMSS Conference

In November, Thy-Ann Nguyen and Stephanie Wight had the opportunity to present at the Council of Medical Specialty Societies' (CMSS) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., where medical specialty society leaders gather to connect, collaborate and exchange insights that help advance patient care.

Thy-Ann and Stephanie partnered with Nicole Napoli, Director of Media Relations at American College of Cardiology (ACC), a longtime CURA client, to deliver a dynamic presentation on maximizing the impact of medical meetings through strategic communications.

Thy-Ann Nguyen, Stephanie Wight, and Nicole Napoli present their findings at the CMSS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Scott Speaks Out for Change at Primary Children’s and the AHA Conference

Scott Leezer delivered his first Grand Rounds lecture at Primary Children’s in Salt Lake City, a powerful opportunity to discuss advancing congenital heart disease (CHD) advocacy and the work being done in Washington.

Scott also presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, where he shared his valuable insights during his talks on the power of patient advocacy. The event brought together thousands of health care professionals from around the world to explore the latest advances in heart and stroke research, prevention and treatment.

Scott Leezer, Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Partner,
presents at Primary Children’s in Salt Lake City

Empowering Young Voices Through Storytelling with Youthcast Media Group 📢

CURA continues to support organizations that uplift diverse voices and empower the next generation of changemakers like Youthcast Media Group (YMG), which helps high school students from underrepresented communities tell powerful stories about the issues shaping their lives.

Thy-Ann Nguyen, Stephanie Wight, and Nicole Napoli present their findings at the CMSS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Anne Woodbury, Stephanie Wight and Juliet Thomas attended YMG’s Third Annual Student Showcase in D.C. to celebrate these incredible young journalists, where AP reporter Gary Fields put it best:

“Diversity is about difference of experience. Reporting a story is objective, but choosing what to report on is subjective. You tell the stories other people don’t see.”

Celebrating CURA-ween! 👻

The CURA team came together for a spooky night this October! We enjoyed our annual costume competition, indulged in delicious treats, and shared lots of laughs .

Wrapping Up 2025: CURA’s Q4 Retreat and Holiday Dinner ️🎁🍽️🎄

CURA celebrated the wonderful year and successes during the in-house Q4 retreat and holiday dinner!

Our CURAgeous Team is Growing!

Time Flies! Celebrating Our Q4 CURAversaries

Cole Anchustegui

Creative Strategy Manager

2 years

Scott Leezer

Government Relations Senior Vice President & Partner

8 years

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