For the last 75 years, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been a prominent organization in the field of blood cancer research, patient care, and advocacy. 

Founded in 1949, the foundation was called the Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation after the founder’s son, who died of leukemia. Then, in 1955, it was renamed the Leukemia Society. It remained like this until 2020, when it was changed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

However, in an effort to promote inclusivity, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been renamed Blood Cancer United. 

Jamie Teague, Campaign Development Director for BCU, said, “After extensive research and consideration, the name and brand change occurred to represent that we are the world’s leading non-profit organization for families and patients dealing with ALL blood cancers (100+ blood cancers), not just leukemia and lymphoma.”

Blood Cancer United hopes to present a united front of –families, patients, doctors, scientists, donner, and advocates–against all types of blood cancer. 

Blood Cancer United’s goal is “by 2040, Blood Cancer United will enable people with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life.”

“Most recent statistics show that we have already seen a 57% increase in followers on social media since the brand change occurred,” said Teague.

To achieve this goal, the foundation supports numerous fundraising efforts that reach a multitude of communities. From teens to adults, and from athletes to large corporations, BCU is dedicated to building a community of givers and supporters. 

Some of the unique fundraising opportunities are as follows; 

Light the Night 

Light the Night is hosted nationwide each fall. Most recently, BCU hosted Light the Night on October 25 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. 

Companies and individuals come together to raise money and honor those who have lost their battle with blood cancer and survived. 

Participants walk with lanterns held high, illuminating the night sky as a symbol of light amid darkness.

Margo McQuiggan, Sophomore from Broughton High School, attends. She said, “I was able to see the impact when I saw all the lanterns go up of people who have had cancer or lost someone due to cancer.”

This year, volunteers were able to raise 2,500,000 dollars during the Light the Night fundraiser. 

 

Team in Training 

Team in Training is an athletic and endurance-based fundraiser that can take on many forms.  Participants take part in marathons, half marathons, triathlons, and hikes to raise money for blood cancer research.

Participants can register as a team of friends or family members that you will train and fundraise alongside up until the event. Blood Cancer United provided a fundraising specialist and a personal trainer to help participants have a successful campaign. 

Past Team in Training participant Greg Key said, “I chose to join TNT because at the time, I was recovering from treatment for lymphoma, and the LLS mission of beating blood cancers was important to me. It was also a way to get active again.”

For two years, Key participated in the cycling events and marathons for the following 4 years. 

“It felt great because of the camaraderie with teammates, contributing to LLS’s life-saving mission, and of course crossing the finish line!”

Some of the events in the upcoming year are: America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Hike Yosemite, and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Student Visionaries of the Year

The Students’ Visionaries of the Year campaign is a leadership development program for high school students. 

Over the course of seven weeks, students are tasked with building a team of peers, organising fundraising events, securing sponsorships, and building professional relationships. all in an effort to raise as much money as they can for Blood Cancer United. 

The massive fundraiser concludes with a grade five gala where the grand total of money raised is announced, as well as the person who has raised the most.

Lucas Casterline, junior, was a Candidate for Student Visionaries of the year in 2024, where he raised $16,000. 

“My mom was a team member for a former student of hers, so I attended the 2023 Grande finale, and I was really inspired by all these high schoolers were doing, and I realized this is something I wanted to be a part of,” said Casterline.

Casterline received the award for policy and advocacy for his contributions to the campaign.

“The campaign helped me branch out and get out of my shell. I was calling businesses and meeting with managers, and making deals. which is something he would never have done. I also learned a lot about community,” said Casterline 

Students who take part in the campaign are also eligible to join their Junior Leadership Team after their fundraiser is over. These students stay involved in planning events, mentoring new visionaries, and reaching out to sponsors. 

Maren Hauge, sophomore, was a candidate last year. She said, “I am continuing to stay involved with BCU by being a member of their leadership committee, because I want to keep contributing to the BCU mission.”

Maren won the Patient Education and Support award and raised 40,000 dollars during her campaign. 

The Student Visionaries of the Year campaign allows a younger generation to be involved in a fundraising effort and introduces students to a community bigger than themselves.  

“It’s incredible to see what the students can accomplish every year. They are all motivated by different factors and are all driven to make an impact for a cause bigger than themselves. I love meeting new students and families every year and helping them work towards their goals,” said Teague. 

In 2025, the Student visionaries raised 49 million dollars through 67 campaigns.

Find out more about all the ways you can join the Blood Cancer United Community on their website.