Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has been named the 2026 beneficiary of the Santé Health Foundation, launching a multi-event fundraising partnership in the Central Valley that will support research, patient programs and advocacy for families facing blood cancers.

Blood Cancer United funds research, patient support programs, and advocacy efforts focused on accelerating cures and improving quality of life for children, young adults and families affected by blood cancers.

BCU to Be Sole Beneficiary

Under the agreement, Blood Cancer United will be the sole beneficiary of all foundation activities tied to the partnership, including Santé Health Foundation’s annual golf tournament on Sept. 21, and gala on June 13, the organization said in a statement.

As part of the effort, Kara Herderich-Flores of Santé Health Foundation will serve as a Corporate Walk Chair for Blood Cancer United’s Central Valley Light the Night walk in Fresno on Nov. 13. She will be joined by Matt Morse, general manager of KSEE24 and CBS47, who is also serving as Corporate Walk Chair.

Morse’s involvement is personal because his father was diagnosed with blood cancer, an experience that shaped his commitment to supporting patients and families facing similar diagnoses. KSEE24 and CBS47 helped facilitate the partnership and will provide platform support to help amplify the mission.

“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.”

“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,” Morse said.

Herderich-Flores and Morse will serve alongside Zachary Fraser of American Pistachio Growers, who returns for his second year as Corporate Walk Chair of Light the Night, continuing his support of Blood Cancer United in the Central Valley.

“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.”

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Name Change

The organization recently changed its name from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to Blood Cancer United, effective Sept. 1, 2025. The new name reflects the full scope of its work serving all blood cancer patients and their families, the organization said.

There are more than 100 types of blood cancer, and the previous name excluded about 20% of them, including myeloma, MPN and MDS.

The organization said feedback from patients and health care providers showed that many people diagnosed with blood cancers other than leukemia or lymphoma did not know they could receive help, and the new name is intended to welcome every blood cancer patient regardless of diagnosis.

For more information or to get involved, visit bloodcancerunited.org.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.