Blood Cancer United image

Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) will host its Student Visionaries of the Year Fresno campaign kick-off on Thursday, Jan 22., marking the start of the nonprofit’s 2026 fundraising drive.

The fundraiser, which will aid in Blood Cancer United’s mission — ”to find a cure for blood cancer and improve patient quality of life” — features a seven-week leadership development program, challenging students in a variety of business development and professional skill set training exercises, including training in entrepreneurship, marketing and project management.

More than 20 student teams from 18 different high schools across the Central Valley will participate in the program. A total of 46 candidates alongside 131 team members from the schools will compete for the Student Visionaries of the Year title.

Participating high schools include Buchanan, Bullard, Clovis East, Clovis, Clovis North, Justin Garza, San Joaquin Memorial and more.

The Student Visionaries of the Year program has helped the organization invest over $2 billion in top-of-the-line research around the globe, driving critical advancements in blood cancer treatment.

Blood Cancer United describes the program as a platform that empowers students to make a tangible impact on the fight against blood cancers while gaining leadership and professional experience.

The 2026 campaign begins Thursday, Jan. 22, with a kickoff event at the Buena Vista Event Center in Madera. Over the following seven weeks, students will fundraise and build their campaigns before a finale event recognizing the top fundraising teams.