On November 13, 2025, CBSA held its 22^nd Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics. This annual celebration highlights the spirit and drive of Colorado’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem, bringing together hundreds of leaders and innovators to applaud our successes and look ahead to the coming year. 

This year, CBSA presented awards to four Legislators of the Year as well as its inaugural Patient Champion of the Year. In a challenging state and federal regulatory environment, having champions at the state capitol is critical to the growth and success of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem and to ensuring patients can access the ecosystem’s innovations. CBSA’s Legislators and Patient Champion of the Year have a deep understanding and appreciation for the life sciences’ global and human impact as well as the economic impact for the state. 

CBSA’s 2025 Legislators of the Year 

Championing a thriving, collaborative life sciences ecosystem and a patient-focused, pro-science business climate requires consistent education and advocacy by CBSA’s Policy + Advocacy team. Pro-innovation policies, like state grants and tax credits, help researchers, startups, and manufacturers drive discoveries and development. CBSA urges policymakers to protect and expand these programs, which deliver strong returns through new companies, jobs, and investment.  

Each year, CBSA honors legislators of the year from different sides of the aisle to celebrate those who stand with patients and health innovators.  CBSA’s four 2025 Legislators of the Year are: 

• Senator Julie Gonzales, a State Senator from Denver who has worked to secure access to medicines and care for Colorado patients. She sponsored legislation to lower healthcare costs and increase transparency in prescription discount programs. 

• Senator Scott Bright, a State Senator who represents Adams and Weld counties. He demonstrated a sincere commitment to learning about life sciences in Colorado and served as a strong voice on the Health and Human Services Committee during discussions on patient access and affordability. 

• Representative Sheila Lieder, a State Representative from Jefferson County. She was recognized for her leadership as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, her focus on healthcare affordability, and her ability to connect health policy to workforce opportunities. 

• Representative Lori Garcia Sander, who serves constituents in Weld and Larimer counties. She was honored for her efforts to defend the life sciences ecosystem, thanks to her involvement in legislation to mitigate harmful policies related to prescription medicine access in Colorado. She has also supported legislation to further advance innovation and patient access in Colorado. 

Together, these four elected leaders demonstrate the importance of championing health innovation and supporting patient access. Thank you and congratulations to CBSA’s 2025 Legislators of the Year! 

CBSA’s 2025 Patient Champion of the Year 

CBSA was proud to add a new, meaningful award to the lineup at its 22^nd Annual Awards Celebration—the Patient Champion of the Year Award. We were excited to recognize Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt, a remarkable patient advocate whose dedication and empathy inspire everyone around her. 

With more than twenty years in public policy, community building, and education, Dandaraw-Seritt founded Advocates for Compassionate Therapy Now to connect, educate, and support Colorado’s patient community—and she is also a rare disease patient herself. 

She spoke at CBSA’s 2025 Day at the Capitol, participates in Prescription Drug Affordability Board meetings, and serves on the Rare Disease Advisory Council. Her voice brings compassion, balance, and clarity to vital conversations about access, affordability, and patient-centered care. She was honored for her more than two decades of leadership to keep medically complex families connected, supported, and educated. 

Thank You and Congratulations! 

Thank you and congratulations to CBSA’s 2025 Legislators of the Year, CBSA’s inaugural Patient Champion of the Year, and all of the other honorees recognized at CBSA’s 22^nd Annual Awards Celebration presented by AGC Biologics!