My connection to Blood Cancer United’s mission began through my younger sister, Patti. She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in 1997 at the age of 37. We are fifth-generation Coloradans raised in a family that believed deeply in community. My dad, Eddie, and his brother, Dick, built not only a family business — Robinson Dairy — but also a remarkable network of friendships and connections across Colorado.
Patti was a master connector. Even during her cancer journey, she felt a powerful call to bring people together and share resources, hope, and encouragement. In 1999, Patti and my dad partnered with Blood Cancer United to launch the first Light The Night (LTN) walk in Denver. That first walk generated $57,000 — an extraordinary beginning fueled by love, determination, and community.
For Patti, the walk wasn’t just an event. It became a vehicle for connections. It allowed her to reach others walking a similar path and to remind them they were not alone. We continued to grow the Denver walk and supported Patti until she lost her battle in 2008.
Today, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Light The Night raises over $1.3 million annually — a testament to how one person’s vision can ripple outward and transform lives!
The year Patti went to heaven, her husband, Steven, and my dad worked again with Blood Cancer United to create the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program. In honor of Patti’s memory, Dad pledged a significant gift to ensure the program’s future. This program is a free service that introduces patients or caregivers to a trained volunteer who has walked a similar journey. It embodies exactly who Patti was — compassionate, generous, and committed to making sure no one faces cancer alone.
As for me, I started by “blowing up balloons” at that first walk in 1999, at Patti’s direction, of course. (We didn’t have lanterns back then! We had to manually put lights into the balloons!) I helped set up tables, handed out t-shirts, raised money, and invited others to join us in bringing hope to families still in the fight. And every year since, our family has continued to show up as “Patti’s Team” to honor those who are fighting, to remember those we have lost, and to stand in solidarity with this community.
Last year, we lost our dad unexpectedly. True to his words, he fulfilled his pledge to support the First Connection Program. His commitment, like Patti’s, was rooted in love, service, and community.
I will continue to show up, not for myself but for Patti and for Dad. Their legacy is one of connection, generosity, and action. They taught me that volunteering isn’t about recognition; it’s about showing up, again and again, for people who need hope. I will continue to carry forward the light they both shone so brightly until the day when blood cancer is no longer part of anyone’s story!
I am grateful for all the opportunities available to be part of this extraordinary mission.
Debra
Family member, volunteer, supporter/donor
