Blood Cancer United image

Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has entered a long-term partnership with Santé Health Foundation to support blood cancer research, patient services and advocacy through a series of fundraising events in the Central Valley.

The partnership will see Blood Cancer United serve as the sole beneficiary of all Santé Health Foundation fundraising activities, including the physician’s network annual golf tournament and gala.

The collaboration will see Kara Herderich-Flores of Santé Health Foundation serving as Corporate Walk Chair for Blood Cancer United’s Central Valley Light the Night event this year on Nov. 13.

“This partnership with Blood Cancer United is incredibly important to us as it reflects the very heart of Santé Health Foundation’s mission,” Herderich-Flores said. “We exist to improve the health of the neighbors in our community by providing outstanding clinical care, encouraging healthy lifestyles, offering clinical and community health education, and supporting clinical research.”

Joining Herderich-Flores as Corporate Walk Chair is Matt Morese, general manager of KSEE24 and CBS47. His involvement is deeply personal, following his father’s diagnosis with blood cancer.

“At KSEE24 and CBS47, our responsibility goes beyond delivering news. It is about serving the communities we live in,” Morse said. “Partnering with Blood Cancer United and Sante Health allows us to use our platforms to elevate awareness, connect families to resources, and shine a light on stories that truly matter.”

Herderich-Flores and Morse will serve with Zachary Fraser, president and CEO of American Pistachio Growers, returning for his second year as Corporate Walk Chair for Light the Night.

“This commitment represents more than a financial investment,” said Alene Mestjian, executive director for Blood Cancer United in the Central Valley. “It reflects shared values, personal connections to the mission, and a belief that families impacted by blood cancer deserve better outcomes and stronger support.”

The partnership will be announced via a promotional video on KSEE24 and CBS47 leading up to Super Bowl Sunday and will see additional coverage during the stations’ morning news programs.

Blood Cancer United funds research, patient support programs and advocacy efforts aimed at accelerating cures and improving quality of life for children, young adults and families impacted by various blood cancers.

More information can be found at Blood Cancer United’s website.