Blood Cancer United Grassroots Advocacy Recognition Program

About the program

The Blood Cancer United Office of Public Policy (OPP) drives lifesaving policies that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care. At the heart of those efforts is a nationwide grassroots network of hundreds of advocates working on the ground in their state capitals and in Washington, DC. They're joined by 30,000 active online volunteer advocates—patients, caregivers, friends and family members, and healthcare professionals—working tirelessly to secure patient protections that have become more critical than ever to the health and well-being of blood cancer patients. 

Volunteers are the backbone of the grassroots advocacy program at Blood Cancer United. We rely on volunteer advocates to build power and influence through meaningful and lasting relationships with lawmakers. Patient advocates, and their personal experiences, can help lawmakers better understand pressing problems—and compel them to act.

We celebrate volunteers to show our gratitude for their time and talent, as well as honor the impact they’ve had on our mission.

Award categories

• Blood Cancer United Advocacy Leader of the Year: Recognizing an Advocacy Leader who in their leadership of their advocacy committee exemplifies unprecedented passion, innovation, and vision within the grassroots advocacy community. This individual’s exemplary volunteer leadership has contributed to significant achievements, such as policy victories, or growth in volunteer advocacy capacity. Nominate an Advocacy Leader
• Blood Cancer United Advocacy Ambassador of the Year: Recognizing an Advocacy Ambassador who in the course of their service as a member of their advocacy committee, demonstrates unwavering commitment to advancing LLS's grassroots advocacy program. This advocate embodies the spirit of patient advocacy and shows great initiative in their work to move the OPP mission forward. Nominate an Advocacy Ambassador
• Blood Cancer United Advocacy Champion of the Year: Recognizing a passionate and engaged Advocacy Champion who has gone above and beyond to advocate for change.  This volunteer’s individual actions have significantly impacted the advancement of the OPP mission. Nominate an Advocacy Champion
• Blood Cancer United Emerging Advocate of the Year: Recognizing a new volunteer who has shown exciting promise in their start as an LLS advocate over the course of the current calendar year. Nominate an Emerging Advocate

Eligibility

The Blood Cancer United Grassroots Advocacy Recognition Program will allow us to acknowledge and celebrate an exceptional advocate in each volunteer role who embodies the core values identified for each position and most successfully advances the Blood Cancer United Office of Public Policy mission.  

Nominate an advocate

Nominations may be submitted by any Blood Cancer United staff member or current volunteer. You may nominate as many advocates as you like. The nominating period is open Jan. 5 to Jan. 31, 2026.

Click the appropriate link below to nominate an advocate:

• Advocacy Leader nomination form
• Advocacy Ambassador nomination form
• Advocacy Champion nomination form
• Emerging Advocate nomination form

We will announce this year's winner in May 2025. To learn more about the program, please email [email protected].

Awards committee and awards criteria

The awards committee, comprised of Blood Cancer United staff and volunteers, reviews all submitted nominations, and determines the award winner for each category based on the criteria outlined. A rubric for each award will guide deliberation — but is not a substitute for the judgment of the awards committee members.