Evan Handler to Keynote 2026 Blood Cancer Honors in New Orleans

The 2026 Extraordinary Honors in Blood Cancer event, hosted by CURE Media Group in partnership with Blood Cancer United®, will take place on December 11, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This annual celebration recognizes outstanding contributions from individuals within the blood cancer community.

Actor and author Evan Handler has been announced as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Those devoted to supporting patients and families affected by blood cancers will gather, including survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates, for an inspiring evening.

Event Details

The free event will commence at 7:30 PM CT, with attendees encouraged to arrive by 7 PM for networking and refreshments. Held at The National WWII Museum located at 945 Magazine Street, the ceremony promises to be both uplifting and impactful.

Formerly known as the Blood Cancer Heroes event, this year's awards take on the new title, Extraordinary Honors in Blood Cancer. The rebranding reflects a commitment to spotlight not just the individuals but also their stories of resilience and advocacy across various blood cancers, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, and MPNs/MDS.

Recognizing Community Champions

Mike Hennessy Jr., chairman and CEO of MJH Life Sciences®—the parent company of CURE Media Group—expressed, "This event celebrates the collective spirit and the powerful narratives that uplift the blood cancer community. With Evan Handler and our remarkable honorees, we bring attention to those who significantly influence the lives of others through survivorship and advocacy."

This year’s honorees stand out as beacons of hope and support. A record number of 79 essay nominations were received, reflecting the passion and commitment within the community.

Meet the Honorees

The 2026 honorees include:

• Multiple Myeloma: Michelle Ware-Ivy, MA, CCMP, PMP. A dedicated advocate and the founder of The Malcolm Orlando Ivy Foundation.
• MPNs/MDS: Emily Sikora, a myelofibrosis advocate and member of the Patient Engagement Advisory Committee for the MPN Research Foundation.
• Leukemia: Josiah Rayne Lake, honored posthumously for his advocacy work as a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Honored Hero.
• Lymphoma: Terry Amelunke, PharmD, MBA, a consulting pharmacist and caregiver based in Kansas City, Missouri.

About Our Sponsors

CURE Media Group serves as a premier resource, offering updates, education, and advocacy on cancer issues. Their various channels, including the widely read CURE magazine and the insightful website curetoday.com, reach over a million individuals interested in cancer awareness and survivorship.

Blood Cancer United represents the largest global nonprofit dedicated to blood cancer support and advocacy. Established in 1949, the organization focuses on funding research, providing resources, and ensuring accessibility to care for those impacted by any of the over 100 types of blood cancer.

For more information about the event and the honored individuals, and to learn more about Blood Cancer United, please visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org and connect with them on various social media platforms.