SUMMIT, NJ — Longtime healthcare leader Lisa Stockman-Mauriello — whose high-profile push for access to a potentially life-extending drug garnered national attention — has passed away at 52 after a battle with ALS.

Stockman-Mauriello, most recently with Syneos Health, spent 30 years in healthcare communications before stepping away earlier this year after being diagnosed with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a rare and particularly aggressive form of the disease.

Soon after, she embarked on a high-profile campaign to have access to a drug being developed by Biogen that could help extend her life. More than 115,000 people signed a petition in support of Stockman-Mauriello’s push to get the drug, Tofersen, which was covered by national media including the Today Show and People.

Stockman-Mauriello got her first dose in July.

Stockman-Mauriello was known as a champion of the healthcare comms industry, including training the next-generation of professionals. Even after her diagnosis, she continued to partner with her alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill, on creating a healthcare communications certification program set to launch next year.

Stockman-Mauriello’s long career including spending the last seven years at Syneos Health where, as president of diversified communications services, she led a diversified mix of agencies across public relations, medical communications and advertising.

A married mother of three boys, Stockman-Mauriello lived to see all three of her children graduate this year, which was her primary goal.

“Lisa was always all in personally and professionally. Her last campaign was no different. The difference is that it will have a profound impact on people living with ALS. It gives them hope. It gives them more time with their loved ones. It gives them more time to live. Lisa created an immensely amazing legacy,” her obituary said.