Shining a light on blood cancer

Each fall, thousands of glowing lanterns light the way toward hope and healing at Light The Night, the signature fundraising event of Blood Cancer United (formerly, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). For Bristol Myers Squibb, Light The Night is a reflection of our deep commitment to patients, to research and to one another.

As a proud National Luminary Sponsor of Light The Night, we walk to honor lives touched by blood cancer, and to help fund the groundbreaking research, patient support and advocacy Blood Cancer United delivers year-round. This year, we’re sharing the inspiring stories of four colleagues whose personal journeys make our mission all the more meaningful.
 

Jozelle, senior manager and patient safety scientist: The survivor
 

When Jozelle was 8 weeks pregnant, a routine blood test showed an elevated white blood cell count. Initially, she wasn’t concerned, attributing it to flu season, but her doctors ordered more tests. Then came the shocking diagnosis: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).  

Four years after welcoming a healthy baby girl, Jozelle began treatment for CLL. As she was recovering, Jozelle began experiencing persistent pelvic pain, which led to another devasting diagnosis: stage 4 ovarian cancer.

Today, she is in remission from stage 4 ovarian cancer, the CLL is stable and she continues to move forward with courage and grace as a single mom. Through it all, Jozelle remains committed to supporting the cancer community and spreading hope. 

“I felt so alone and isolated when I was diagnosed with CLL,” she shared. “But Blood Cancer United’s peer-to-peer support program helped.” Blood Cancer United connected Jozelle with another blood cancer survivor who had faced a similar journey. “Our conversation was so helpful and reassuring of all my concerns about living with cancer while raising a young child,” she said. “Most of all, it reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”

Each year, Jozelle participates in Light The Night of Morristown to give back to Blood Cancer United for helping her through her journey. “I’m thankful for the support they’ve provided me and countless cancer survivors and families,” she said. “I walk for better treatment options, for brighter futures and for the chance to be present for every moment in my daughter’s life.” 

 

Mike, area business manager, Great Lakes Region: The parent
 

Mike’s world was forever changed when his daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia just before her second birthday in 2021. Light the Night of Cincinnati has been an all-around special event for his family ever since, where they can surround themselves with support and others who understand their difficult journey, but there’s one part of the event that holds a special place in his heart: the Survivor Circle.

“I remember standing in the Survivor’s Circle with Hallie, roughly a year after her treatment ended,” said Mike. “She had a big smile on her face, was raising her white lantern in the air proudly – and, for the first time in about three years, our family felt at peace. To be able to share that moment with the family and friends who supported us on the journey to get to that point was incredibly special.”

Megan, senior clinical nurse consultant: The nurse
 

Before joining BMS, Megan spent much of her career as an oncology nurse, supporting children and families through some of their hardest days. But one of her most emotional moments came outside the hospital, at Light The Night of Minneapolis.

“I ran into a couple I hadn’t seen in decades,” she remembered. “I had treated their daughter 20 years ago. They thanked me, we all hugged and we immediately took a selfie to commemorate the moment. Then they told me she’s now healthy and thriving. My heart was so full in that moment.”

Megan was also moved to see the family still involved in Light The Night, all those years after their daughter’s diagnosis. “It was so inspiring to see them still involved and giving back. I know it’s because they’re so grateful for their child’s recovery and want to make sure other families have similar outcomes,” she said. “It was a powerful reminder of why I walk."

 

Lexie, executive associate: The donor
 

This year’s National Walk Captain, Lexie, knows firsthand the difference one person can make.

Three years ago, her father, Frank, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant and turned to the national bone marrow donor registry for options. Of all the prospective donors, there was one person who emerged as the strongest potential match: Lexie.

Despite personal health complications that put her at increased risk for the procedure, Lexie emphatically agreed to donate. “There was no hesitation or doubt in my mind to give him this gift of hope and a second chance,” said Lexie. “Dad gave me life and I felt like I was giving him his life back.”

Frank is currently in remission and the family walks in his honor, with their team named Franky’s Fight. As Walk Captain for BMS, Lexie rallies colleagues, raises funds and shares her family’s story to inspire others.
 

A shared purpose, a stronger future
 

Bristol Myers Squibb has proudly supported Light The Night for 15 years. With every dollar raised, every story shared and every lantern lifted, we move closer to a world without blood cancer.