This organization is among the honorees to be recognized at The Business Journal’s inaugural Philanthropy Excellence Awards for its commitment to improving the wellbeing of the Central Valley. Winners in each award category will be announced during the program on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets. Visit eventbrite.com for Philanthropy Excellence Awards tickets.
Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, continues its efforts to improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families through research, education, advocacy and community partnerships.
The organization serves individuals affected by more than 100 types of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, providing financial assistance, educational resources, clinical trial navigation and patient support services.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Alene Mestjian, Blood Cancer United works with Central Valley healthcare providers, businesses and community organizations to connect patients and caregivers with critical resources and emerging treatment opportunities.
A major development in its regional expansion is a five-year, $562,500 grant partnership with Community Cancer Institute and the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine that will support patient education, survivorship workshops and outreach initiatives, including bilingual resources aimed at increasing awareness of clinical trials and newly emerging cancer therapies.
Beyond its local outreach, the organization funds research initiatives supporting the development of new treatments, including CAR-T cell therapy, a new option that entered trial phases at the hospital in 2025.
The organization also supports pediatric cancer research through its PedAL initiative, a precision medicine clinical trial platform for children and young adults with acute leukemia.
Through continued investments in research, partnership and patient services, Blood Cancer United aims to improve access to treatment and ensure Central Valley families have the resources necessary to navigate a blood cancer diagnosis.
