Honored Heroes
We are Blood Cancer United, and we believe everyone with blood cancer deserves a longer, better life.
That’s why we are on a mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. How? We fund life-saving blood cancer research around the world, provide free information and support services for patients and their families, and are the voice for those seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
With your help, we have invested more than $2 billion in groundbreaking research supporting many of today’s most innovative approaches to treatment—helping those with blood cancer not only survive but also thrive.
Meet Our Honored Hero
Evie, Age 8
Diagnosis: Donor derived B-Cell ALL, Philadelphia Chromosome positive
Evie was born with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) caused by a rare GATA2 mutation, a diagnosis that is virtually unheard of in infancy. At just 9 months old, she received a perfectly matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplant and quickly began thriving with a healthy, functioning immune system.
Then, at age 3, everything changed. After developing persistent fevers, testing revealed not only that her bone marrow had failed, but that she had leukemia. In an extraordinarily rare turn of events, the leukemia was donor-derived, meaning it originated from her bone marrow donor rather than from Evie herself. She was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), placing her in a very high-risk category with no clear treatment roadmap.
Thanks to advances in cancer treatment, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, Evie achieved a complete remission and underwent a second bone marrow transplant, this time with her dad as her donor. On June 3, 2021, she received what her family calls her third chance at life. Today, Evie remains in remission and continues to inspire everyone around her with her resilience, joy, and unwavering spirit. At just 8 years old, she has overcome challenges that most people never face in a lifetime. Her journey is a testament to the power of research, innovation, transplantation, and hope.
Share Your Why
Event recognition: Riding in honor or memory of someone special? Help us celebrate your Honored Hero during event weekend by submitting their name and photo here. Photos must be submitted by July 1, 2027 to be included in event recognition activities.
National recognition: Tell us why you’re riding and what inspires your commitment to Blood Cancer United. Participant stories may be featured on our national social media channels and marketing materials. Share your story here. Share your story here.
The Blood Cancer United mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. Blood Cancer United funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Blood Cancer United is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions. Tax Identification Number: 13-5644916 © 2015-2026 Blood Cancer United. A 501(c)(3) organization. All rights reserved.