First Annual Blood Cancer Heroes Honors Leaders, Advocates and Survivors

CURE recognized four remarkable individuals during the 2025 Blood Cancer Heroes celebration, an event dedicated to honoring those who make a profound impact on people living with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)/myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The event was held in partnership with Blood Cancer United, whose mission centers on elevating patient voices and strengthening community support for all individuals affected by blood cancers.

This year’s honorees included leaders, advocates, survivors and caregivers whose work has shaped patient support, education and empowerment across the blood cancer landscape. Finalists were nominated by patients, caregivers, colleagues and community members who shared personal stories illustrating their impact.

The evening also featured keynote speaker Suleika Jaouad, Emmy Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author of “Between Two Kingdoms” and “The Book of Alchemy.” A three-time cancer survivor, Jaouad is known for her groundbreaking New York Times column and video series “Life, Interrupted,” as well as her global creative community, The Isolation Journals. Her story has inspired millions, and her words offered a deeply resonant reflection on vulnerability, creativity, survivorship and meaning.

“Far more challenging than the treatment side effects, far more frightening than even the possibility of death, was the intense sense of isolation I felt — and that is why connection and being believed matter so much,” Jaouad said during her keynote speech.

Jaouad spoke about the realities of illness — the disorientation, the fear, the unexpected beauty — and the people who help light the way forward. She shared how her diagnoses shaped her understanding of resilience and the healing power of storytelling, community and art.

“I could report from the front lines of my hospital bed, from a very different kind of conflict zone, and transform that sense of isolation into an experience of community.”

Her message underscored the spirit of the Blood Cancer Heroes event: that healing extends beyond treatment, and the support of others can carry patients through their darkest moments.

“Even though my prognosis may be worse than it’s ever been, my relationship to the illness is healthier than it’s ever been. I’m just trying to live alongside it and keep living our beautiful life.”

Honoring the 2025 Blood Cancer Heroes Finalists

Leukemia: Joe McDonough, The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation — Wilmington, DE

McDonough was nominated for his tireless work supporting families facing childhood cancer through the B+ Foundation, founded in honor of his son Andrew. For families navigating leukemia, his organization has become a lifeline of financial assistance, emotional support and hope.

His nominator emphasized the depth of his commitment:
“I have a front row seat to the amazing person Joe is and I am continuously amazed by his determination to fight childhood cancer.”

She also shared Joe’s powerful metaphor for what it means to work toward a cure:

“One day, someone is going to put the flag at the top of the metaphoric building when childhood cancer is cured. But to do that, every floor of the skyscraper must be built. Every window set, every wall painted.”
She added, “Joe has been so instrumental in building that skyscraper.”

Lymphoma: Bill Potts, Five-Time Survivor — St. Petersburg, FL

Potts was nominated for his commitment to helping others navigate the complex emotional and logistical challenges of blood cancer. As a five-time lymphoma survivor, he has turned his experience into a mission to guide and empower others facing similar diagnoses.

His daughter described his years of resilience with admiration:
“I haven’t met anyone who has battled cancer so much.”

Even more, she shared how his optimism shaped their lives:
“His positivity was relentless and lifted up anyone who crossed paths with him.”

She also highlighted the impact of his book for newly diagnosed patients:
“Some say it literally saved their life.”

Multiple Myeloma: Oya Gilbert, Health, Hope, Hip-Hop Foundation — Greencastle, PA

Gilbert was nominated for his innovative work merging music, mentorship and health education to uplift patients and families affected by multiple myeloma. His foundation builds community and provides vital support for those who may otherwise feel overlooked.

His nominator shared the profound injustice of his diagnostic journey, “Healthcare providers in his rural community misattributed his symptoms to anxiety and dismissed his concerns.”

She also underscored the magnitude of his advocacy:
“Oya has distinguished himself as a trailblazer in patient-led research and advocacy.”

Recognizing his cultural impact, she wrote:
“Understanding hip-hop’s powerful cultural influence, Oya founded the Health, Hope, & Hip-Hop Foundation, pioneering an innovative approach to health education.”

MPNs/MDS: Dr. Faseeh Khaja, Pinellas Hematology and Oncology — Trinity, FL

Although Dr. Khaja was unable to attend the ceremony, his nominator shared stories highlighting his compassion, clarity and unwavering dedication to educating and empowering patients with chronic blood cancers.
She described the moment that defined their bond:

“During a particularly difficult ICU stay, he sat down in front of my hospital bed, ran his hands over his face, and sighed, ‘Mayra, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.’”

Her response sealed their partnership: “I’ll do whatever it takes — just tell me what to do.”

She added, “He gave me back hope.”

A Night of Gratitude and Connection

Kristie Kahl, vice president of oncology content at MJH Life Sciences and host of the event, highlighted the importance of honoring individuals who not only support blood cancer communities but also embody hope, strength and resilience. “Tonight marks an inspiring milestone as we celebrate individuals whose compassion and leadership uplift the entire blood cancer community,” she said.

James Rivellino, senior director of sales for CURE and Targeted Oncology, echoed that message, adding, “These heroes remind us why our work matters. Their dedication strengthens patients, caregivers, and the oncology community as a whole.”

The Blood Cancer Heroes celebration brought together patients, caregivers, clinicians, advocates and supporters for an evening centered on community and recognition. As nominations were read, it was clear that each hero’s impact extended far beyond clinical care or advocacy — these individuals became anchors for patients during their most uncertain moments.

Through its partnership with Blood Cancer United, CURE continues its mission to uplift patient voices, amplify stories of advocacy and survival and provide trusted information for individuals and families affected by blood cancer.

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