WASHINGTON, May 15, 2026 — Across the country, leaders are stepping up through Light The Night to bring hope, funding and community to families affected by blood cancer.
Held in nearly 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada, Blood Cancer United’s signature event unites survivors, families and supporters under the glow of illuminated lanterns—white representing patients and survivors, gold honoring those lost and red symbolizing supporters. Together, these moments create a powerful and visible display of connection, resilience and progress.
Leadership in Action
At the center of this impact is Light The Night’s Executive Challenge, which mobilizes business and community leaders to expand awareness and drive fundraising. In 2025, challengers raised $10.6 million to support lifesaving research, patient services and advocacy efforts.
These leaders play a vital role in advancing the mission—leveraging their networks, workplaces and platforms to scale impact and inspire others to get involved.
For many, the commitment is deeply personal.
After surviving Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Greg Flanagan became a dedicated fundraiser, motivated by the patients and families he encountered along his journey. The experimental treatment that saved his life reinforced the importance of continued investment in research.
Others are driven by loss. After her husband passed away from a rare blood cancer, Jennifer Kipphut turned her grief into action—raising more than $1.4 million since 2019 while building a strong community of supporters around a shared belief: everybody deserves a survivor story.
A Community United
Light The Night events offer more than fundraising—they provide space for connection, remembrance and hope.
From stadiums to city skylines, participants gather for meaningful evenings filled with personal stories, shared experiences and moments of reflection. Survivors celebrate milestones, families honor loved ones and communities come together in support of those still navigating a diagnosis.
The result is a powerful reminder that no one faces blood cancer alone—and that collective action can drive real progress.
Learn More
The impact of Light The Night—and the leaders advancing this work—has been recognized in national media, highlighting the critical role of leadership, community and fundraising in accelerating progress against blood cancer.
A recent Forbes feature highlights how executive leaders are leveraging their influence and networks to drive research funding, expand patient support and strengthen advocacy efforts.
A separate USA Today story spotlights the broader Light The Night community, including emerging leaders and participants whose efforts are helping bring hope and resources to patients and families nationwide.
Get Involved
Interested in getting involved? Learn more about Light The Night or becoming an Executive Challenger or Emerging Leader here.