2026 Blood Cancer United Leukemia Ball
May 30th, 2026 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Join us at Blood Cancer United鈥檚 Signature Black-Tie Event:
The Leukemia Ball
Blood Cancer United 庐, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will welcome Saturday Night Live alum, actress, comedian, producer and pediatric blood cancer survivor to headline entertainment programming for its 39th . This signature celebratory event will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
In addition to Ms. Bayer鈥檚 appearance, nearly 1500 supporters will come together to hear impactful stories of resilience and hope, engage in silent and live auctions and more. Funds raised will support Blood Cancer United鈥檚 mission to improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families through research, support and education and advocacy.听
Virginia-based advisory firm BDO USA is the event鈥檚 2026 Presenting Partner, and the company鈥檚 Chief Executive Officer will be honored with the prestigious James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exemplary commitment to the blood cancer community. The event will be co鈥慼osted by Fox5 News anchor, together with retired NFL veteran, Super Bowl LIV Champion, and Blood Cancer United National Board of Directors member , who will be recognized as Honorary Chairs. , Senior Vice President of Leasing for The Meridian Group (TMG), will serve as Event Chair.
鈥淔or nearly four decades, supporters near and far join together to celebrate the progress we have made in helping to improve the lives of blood cancer patients and their families,鈥� said Ria Mercurio, Executive Director of Blood Cancer United鈥檚 Mid-Atlantic Region. 鈥淲e recognize those who make a meaningful difference in the community and honor those whose lives have been affected by a blood cancer diagnosis. Together, we continue to pave the way for better outcomes and a brighter future.鈥�
Blood Cancer United鈥檚 mission is one that cannot be accomplished alone. The progress celebrated today is a testament to what happens when individuals and organizations come together at events like the Leukemia Ball to support the blood cancer community in a way that matters.
This monumental event has raised over $78M for blood cancer research, patient support services, and advocacy efforts to help break down barriers to care and make treatments accessible for all.
This incredible, mission-packed evening features live and silent auctions, lively reception and networking, dinner, dancing, and more!
Thank you to our 2026 Presenting Partner, BDO, and our Exclusive Partners, LiUNA!, OSF Healthcare, Merck, Events DC, and Link Strategic Partners. Additional thanks to our Diamond Partners, Total Wine & More, Smart City Networks, Hargrove, TSE Live, Hanson Productions, and Platinum Partners, TMG, Sanofi, Deloitte, EY, Norton Rose Fulbright, KPMG, CohnReznick, Lilly, Amgen, Pfizer and Truist.
Special thanks to our Media Partners, 麻豆官网, iHeartMedia, Washingtonian, Comcast, El Tiempo, Washington Blade, and The Georgetowner.
This mission would not be possible without the incredible support of our partners!
Tickets are selling fast! To purchase event partnerships and ticket experiences, or to learn more about the event and its impact, please visit: or email leukemiaball@bloodcancerunited.org today!
