My Big Climb to Conquer Cancer on April 25, 2026
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 4 seconds
Blood Cancer United (BCU): CLIMB, CONQUER, CURE CANCER
Each year, I set out on a meaningful pilgrimage to the top of the One Gateway Center in Newark, a tribute to my beloved wife, Jan, and to everyone touched by the harsh reality of blood cancers. It’s staggering to think that every three minutes, someone in the U.S. receives a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, and heartbreakingly, someone loses their fight every nine minutes.
My annual Big Climb is more than just a climb; it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of those facing these illnesses and the love we hold for them in our hearts. By participating in the Big Climb, we not only raise funds but also create a meaningful opportunity for supporters like you to join us in the fight against blood cancer. Join me in making a difference and honoring those we’ve lost!
Jan’s courageous battle with blood diseases has profoundly impacted my life, igniting a passion within me to CLIMB, CONQUER, CURE CANCER!. I invite you to join me in this heartfelt mission. Together, we can unite our strength and transform hope into reality for countless individuals affected by these illnesses.
Your tax-deductible support directly fuels the Big Climb event, helping us cover costs and maximize funds raised for blood cancer research and patient support. Let’s make a difference together.
Last year, I set a fundraising goal of $3,000, and with the support of many, I raised an impressive $10,622. For 2026, my goal is $12,000! I have already contributed the first $1,500.
Every day, I challenge myself to walk more and engage in extra stair workouts in preparation for the Big Climb. Whenever I felt like giving up, I found strength in my wife’s story of struggle, which fueled my determination to keep going.
With each step, I remind myself of these words: CLIMB, CONQUER, CURE CANCER! My journey, filled with both highs and lows, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Please join me in making a difference! No matter the amount, your contribution can have a meaningful impact. As I do every year, I will match every donation made:
- A $25 donation will be doubled to $50.
- A $36 donation will be doubled to $72.
- A $100 donation will be doubled to $200.
- A $250 donation will be doubled to $500.
Given the recent cuts in federal funding for cancer research, your support has never been more crucial. Every donation helps us continue the fight against cancer and brings hope to those affected. Together, we can make a real difference!
By raising $12,000 in this year’s Big Climb, we can unlock a world of possibilities that will have a meaningful impact, including:
- Funding a twelve-week research fellowship at BCU, where the fellow will be involved in groundbreaking research that could lead to significant advancements in the fight against blood cancers.
- Enabling LLS researchers to isolate T-cells from the blood of twelve patients for a promising experimental immunotherapy clinical trial.
- Covering twenty-four weeks of essential one-on-one and group support for families affected by blood cancer.
On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, I thank you for your support!
Blood Cancer United, formerly known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has played a significant role in advancing treatments that have improved survival rates for blood cancer patients over the years. Many therapies supported by Blood Cancer United not only benefit those with blood cancer but are also being used to treat patients with other types of cancers. For more information about Blood Cancer United, click here.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
