Congratulations 2026
National Visionary of the Year
Andy Calvert
Washington, D.C.
Presidio
Andy Calvert, a community champion who raised over $624,000, led The Difference Makers to become the 2026 Visionary of the Year. Inspired by his father Jim's blood cancer diagnosis in 2025, Andy rallied colleagues, friends, and corporate partners to make a remarkable impact while balancing family, career, and caregiving responsibilities.
2026 National Runners-Up
Two extraordinary leaders who each raised over $600,000 for Blood Cancer United
Emily Krasnicki
Palm Beach, FL
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Emily Krasnicki was recognized as a 2026 Visionary of the Year Runner-Up after raising more than $600,000 for Blood Cancer United. What began as an opportunity to continue a family and workplace legacy became deeply personal when a close friend and coworker was diagnosed with blood cancer during the campaign.
Martha Newsom
Charlotte, NC
Custom Benefit Auctions
A longtime Blood Cancer United volunteer, Martha Newsom raised more than $600,000 as a 2026 Visionary of the Year Runner-Up. Inspired by her family’s experience with blood cancer, she transformed decades of dedication to the mission into a nationally recognized fundraising effort.
2026 National All Star Visionary of the Year
An inspiring changemaker who raised over $182,000 for Blood Cancer United's mission.
Craig Beckinger
Tampa, FL
ABC Event Planning
Craig Beckinger earned the title of 2026 All Star Visionary of the Year after raising more than $182,000 through a campaign inspired by the memory of Jill Jofko and in honor of Alani Floyd. His leadership and commitment helped drive significant support for Blood Cancer United's mission.
2026 National All Star Visionary of the Year Runner Up
A passionate philanthropist who raised over $103,000 for Blood Cancer United.
Verr Soltes
Houston, TX
Kirksey Architecture
A 15-year blood cancer survivor, Verr Soltes ran her campaign to celebrate an important milestone and give back to the organization that made a difference for her. As the 2026 All Star Visionary of the Year Runner-Up, she raised more than $103,000 while reconnecting longtime supporters and bringing new partners into the mission.
2026 National Team Member of the Year
A catalyst for change who raised over $250,000 for Blood Cancer United.
Kellie Harrington
Palm Beach, FL
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Kellie Harrington was named 2026 Team Member of the Year for her extraordinary fundraising leadership and commitment to Blood Cancer United's mission. A longtime supporter of the organization, she joined her sister Emily's campaign to help accelerate progress for patients and families affected by blood cancer.
2026 National Team Member of the Year Runner Up
An exceptional long-time volunteer whose efforts raised over $215,000 for Blood Cancer United.
Nancy Hamlin
Charlotte, NC
3LStrategic
Nancy Hamlin was named the 2026 Team Member of the Year Runner-Up for her extraordinary fundraising leadership and decades-long commitment to Blood Cancer United. A former National Woman of the Year winner and dedicated volunteer, she continues to honor loved ones she has lost by advancing research, patient support, and advocacy for families affected by blood cancer.
Do you know a Visionary?
Do you know a tenacious changemaker who can envision a world without blood cancer?
Nominate them to become a Visionary of the Year candidate!
