Blood Cancer United Responds to Federal Funding Crisis with $8 Million Gift from Big Nova Foundation

- Courageous act of philanthropy will strengthen Blood Cancer United's Dare to Dream Project, advancing research for children battling blood cancer -

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, today announced a transformative $8 million gift from the Big Nova Foundation. This first-of-its-kind commitment comes in direct response to escalating political instability and recent federal funding cuts that threaten to disrupt cancer research and derail clinical trials for years to come.

"Private philanthropy is the cavalry that ensures we do not lose an entire generation of researchers and clinical trials," said E. Anders Kolb, M.D., President and CEO of Blood Cancer United. "Thanks to the Big Nova Foundation, this gift will save lives. So will the other commitments inspired by their bold vision and selfless generosity."

The $8 million investment will enable swift action, directing resources where they are needed most and where they will have the greatest impact on young patients and their families.

The Big Nova Foundation's gift will directly support:

• PedAL Master Clinical Trial: Expanding this global trial to rapidly connect more children with new and more effective treatments, laying the groundwork for future medical advances.
  
  
• New Innovative Research: Investing in cutting-edge studies across all stages of discovery, nurturing early-career scientists, and accelerating pediatric-focused breakthroughs.
  
  
• Advocacy and Patient Support: Strengthening critical advocacy to secure federal research funding and ensuring patients have access to essential care and resources.

"Blood Cancer United is best positioned to respond to the growing uncertainty impacting pediatric cancer research," said Sarah Asma, Executive Director of the Big Nova Foundation. "They share our belief that protecting clinical and research trials is how we ensure that no family ever has to hear a doctor say, 'We do not know how to save your child.' Any threat to research funding puts every child at risk. This is a consequential moment for our country, and the Big Nova Foundation is proud to step forward with this transformative gift. We hope it inspires other philanthropists to do the same by supporting Blood Cancer United."

The Moore family established the Big Nova Foundation in 2023 to formalize their commitment to the Central Florida community and beyond. Before establishing the foundation, the Moore family, driven by personal experience, committed over a decade of advocacy and volunteer service with Blood Cancer United, striving to advance the understanding and treatment of childhood blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. Since 2019, this commitment has been further demonstrated through their generous gifts totaling $14 million to Blood Cancer United's Dare to Dream Project.

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About Blood Cancer United^® 

Blood Cancer United^® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization's mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives.  

Since the organization's founding in 1949, it has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancers—including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. 

Blood Cancer United offers free, trustworthy resources, personalized support, and community for anyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $2 billion in clinical research, which continues to increase survival rates. Blood Cancer United advocates nationally and locally for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients. 

For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org. Patients can contact blood cancer information specialists at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. 

About Big Nova Foundation

The Moore family has been rooted in Central Florida for 5 generations and have been committed members of the Central Florida community for nearly 100 years. From 1969-1984, Lee P. Moore, served as the mayor of Sanford, FL, which cemented a family legacy of giving back to others. In 2023, the Moore family decided to formalize their commitment to their community through the formation of the Big Nova Foundation. For the Moore family, giving back has always been important. But, in 2011, supporting pediatric healthcare became personal. Their loved one's brave battle with leukemia inspired a deep passion for funding research and championing young patients.

SOURCE Blood Cancer United® formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society