WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 – Blood Cancer United ®, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has named Mr. Wayne Berson, Chief Executive Officer of BDO USA, the recipient of the 2026 James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, which recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of an individual or organization demonstrating dedication and commitment to the organization’s mission to improve the lives of patients and their families, will be presented to Mr. Berson at the organization’s national annual black-tie Leukemia Ball on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Berson became BDO’s CEO in 2012 and established the firm’s core purpose: helping people thrive every day. That same year, he launched BDO’s partnership with Blood Cancer United. Through impactful corporate fundraising and sponsorship of signature events, such as Light The Night and the Leukemia Ball, Berson has served as Chair for both campaigns in 2014 and from 2016 to 2017, respectively. Combined with the Berson family’s generous personal contributions, BDO’s support has delivered more than $1.3 million in impact. Berson exemplifies the values honored by the James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award, created in memory of Jim Eichberg—a long-time, devoted volunteer and supporter of Blood Cancer United who made service to others an integral part of his daily life.
“Under Mr. Berson’s leadership, BDO has set the bar for corporate engagement by engraining philanthropy into their culture,” said Ria Freydberg Marcario, Executive Director of Blood Cancer United’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Wayne exemplifies the kind of individual The James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award is meant to honor: a tireless advocate who makes volunteerism a part of their daily life. We are honored to recognize his outstanding efforts and the extraordinary impact he has had on the lives of cancer patients. This impact has significantly contributed to unprecedented advances in research , providing patients with new, innovative, and more effective therapies. Simply put, he is saving lives today.”
Berson inspires a culture where social impact is more than corporate responsibility; it’s a personal commitment to supporting community organizations like Blood Cancer United doing deeply meaningful work. In accepting this award, he joins recent past recipients with comparable dedication and values including: Evelyn Akers Baltimore, COO of Malloy Auto Group; Terry O’Sullivan, General President Emeritus of LiUNA; Lynne O’Brien, Founder and CEO of Line in the Sand; Nazzic Keene, retired CEO of SAIC; Neil Kishter, Private Wealth Advisor for Morgan Stanley; C.E. Andrews, former CEO of MorganFranklin Consulting; and Kevin Fay, Vice Chairman and CEO of Alcalde & Fay.
Like others, Berson passion for supporting Blood Cancer United’s mission is fueled by his personal experience with blood cancer. In 1972, his younger brother Philip, who was just seven years old, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At that time, the survival rate was 5%. Doctors urged more testing—not only to guide Philip’s treatment, but to contribute to research that would one day save countless lives.
When Berson moved from South Africa to the United States, he committed himself to honoring Philip’s memory by standing with organizations that are changing the future for patients and families affected by blood cancer. Blood Cancer United has funded over $2 billion in cutting-edge blood cancer research since its founding in 1949. Because of decades of dedication and investment, the survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has soared—from 5% to an incredible 74%.
“Receiving the James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award is deeply humbling, but the true honor is standing alongside the incredible community at Blood Cancer United,” shared Berson. “This cause is personal to me—my brother’s battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma shaped my life and my commitment to advancing research and support for patients and families. The progress we’ve witnessed is nothing short of remarkable, but there is still work to be done. When we unite our passion, resources, and determination, we can transform hope into reality for those facing blood cancer. Together, we can create a future where every child, every family, and every patient has a fighting chance.”
This is not a mission that can be accomplished alone. The progress celebrated today is a testament to what happens when people and organizations come together. Blood Cancer United invites companies and individuals to join the momentum by supporting the Leukemia Ball, through an Exclusive Partnership like BDO’s, the event’s 2026 Presenting Partner, by purchasing a table or tickets, championing fundraising efforts, or by making a meaningful personal donation.
Every action, big or small, helps to continue building on this progress and change lives. Join Blood Cancer United in its vision to create a world without blood cancer.
About Blood Cancer United’s National Leukemia Ball
Over the last three decades, the Leukemia Ball has raised over $76 million for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – now Blood Cancer United. We welcome you to join Mr. Berson and BDO in supporting the 39th National Leukemia Ball for an inspirational evening filled with an impactful mission program, silent and live auctions, cocktails, a plated dinner, and headlining entertainment. The event will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. To get involved and learn more about this impactful event, please visit: www.leukemiaball.org
About Blood Cancer United
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives.
Since the organization’s founding in 1949, it has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancers—including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Blood Cancer United offers free, trustworthy resources, personalized support, and community for anyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $2 billion in research, which continues to increase survival rates. Blood Cancer United advocates nationally and locally for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients.
For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org. Patients can contact blood cancer information specialists at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
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