A+J Patient Advocacy was a dream for many years and officially took off in September 2021. The global pandemic revealed healthcare inequities greater than previously thought, especially in Nevada’s pediatric system. By June 2022, we received our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and continue to serve children, teens, young adults, families, and community organizations across Nevada today.

Namesakes

A+J Patient Advocacy is named in memory of Adrian Hanson and Julie Powers.

Adrian had an amazing laugh and was a lover of science, traveling, and sport. As a Professional Engineer he believed strongly in access to education (especially STEM), and was also an avid volunteer who loved just being with family and friends. Julie was a Baltimore native, critical care nurse, ocean lover, and friend to so many. She held strong beliefs that every human being should receive the healthcare they need and worked tirelessly to ensure her patients always did.

Adrian and Julie both held space for anyone in need and their presence is greatly missed by all who knew them. A+J Patient Advocacy carries their memory and lives out their values in our work everyday.

Founder

Rebeka Acosta is the first Board Certified Patient Advocate in Nevada, earning her credentials in 2018 after a 15-year career in healthcare administration. In 2011 and 2013, she welcomed children to her family with lifelong medical conditions and spent the next decade navigating the healthcare and education systems on their behalf. Now teenagers, her sons are thriving and lovingly known as the original clients of A+J. Rebeka lives in the Las Vegas area with her husband, sons, and two Great Danes.

#heart4advocacy

Everyone at A+J has a huge heart for youth and families. Our first clients were born with congenital heart disease and our roots in that disease space still run strong. And so before we officially had a name, we were known for having the heart to advocate for these amazing young people. Naturally, our online presence is housed under the handle heart4advocacy.