TIME names Kevin Díaz, CEO of Compassion & Choices and Compassion & Choices Action Network, to the 2026 TIME100 Health List as the movement for patient-directed end-of-life care gains unprecedented momentum.
With your support, medical aid-in-dying authorization became reality in Delaware, Illinois, and New York. Our work continues to turn these victories into real access and advance compassionate legislation in new states this legislative session.
Our exceptional volunteers are the backbone of the movement. They come from all walks of life in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Guam. They attend demonstrations, testify at hearings, distribute literature, talk to lawmakers, write letters to local papers and share their stories. Every month we are honored to highlight one of these impactful advocates. Thanks to their hard work, we are making significant strides in expanding access to medical aid in dying.
Deb Robertson has a rare and aggressive type of neuroendocrine carcinoma. Since her diagnosis in 2022, she has dedicated herself to passing medical aid-in-dying legislation in Illinois. Her advocacy has garnered both local and national media attention, featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune and a nationally circulated Associated Press article. In recognition of her tireless activism and determination, Deb received the 2024 Allyne Hammer Excellence in Advocacy Award.
Deb Robertson has a rare and aggressive type of neuroendocrine carcinoma. Since her diagnosis in 2022, she has dedicated herself to passing medical aid-in-dying legislation in Illinois. Her advocacy has garnered both local and national media attention, featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune and a nationally circulated Associated Press article. In recognition of her tireless activism and determination, Deb received the 2024 Allyne Hammer Excellence in Advocacy Award.
Because this cancer has progressed so quickly, I want to do as much as I can for this cause while I’m still feeling decent. I want to give as much as I can any way that I can. I know this law is unlikely to be passed in Illinois while I’m here, but it could help someone else. If I can talk to more people about it, help somebody see things a little differently, if I can advocate, that’s what I want to do with the time I have left — however long that may be.
The Compassion & Choices family comprises two organizations: Compassion & Choices, a 501(c)(3), which educates, empowers, and advocates to improve care and expand options at life’s end; and our advocacy and political arm, the Compassion & Choices Action Network, a 501(c)(4).