When Carly Schroeder’s brother, Andy, died at age 39 from high‑grade neuroendocrine cancer, she vowed to memorialize him.
Recently, she was named the 2026 Visionary of the Year after raising more than $143,500 for Blood Cancer United, a nonprofit that advocates for research, patient services, and access to care. Although neuroendocrine cancer isn’t a blood cancer, the fundraiser gave her another reason to honor Andy.
“I just want to keep his name in the forefront as long as we possibly can,” said Schroeder, the owner and principal designer of CJS Lifestyle & Design.
“Nearly every day, I learn of a friend, colleague, or family member whose life has been touched by blood cancer. These stories remind me how urgently support and research are needed. My campaign was about creating more time — time for treatment, time for milestones, and time with the people we love.”
Her 10‑week Blood Cancer United campaign culminated at the grand finale celebration at Talking Stick Resort, where candidates collectively raised more than $575,550. She and her team mailed hundreds of letters, hosted two fundraising events that brought in more than $46,000 combined, and rallied clients, friends and business partners. On the night of the gala, last‑minute donors pushed her total past $145,000 — earning her the Visionary title.
“I’m still trying to grasp it,” she said. “It was a wild ride — a crazy 10 weeks — and being named Visionary of the Year was truly a gift.”
Schroeder hopes to eventually build a legacy foundation in Andy’s name, ensuring his story continues to inspire hope for families facing cancer.
The funds raised through the Visionary of the Year campaign will help Blood Cancer United continue its vital work funding innovative research, supporting patients and caregivers, and advocating for improved access to quality care. Every dollar contributed plays an important role in accelerating progress toward more effective treatments and cures.
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A City of Hope physician’s perspective
While stakeholders like Blood Cancer United’s 2026 Visionary of the Year, Carly Schroeder raise awareness and funding, physicians such as Dr. Tibor Kovacsovics are transforming how blood cancer is treated.
As the chief of hematology at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix in Goodyear, Dr. Kovacsovics brings more than 30 years of experience in leukemia, bone marrow transplant and blood cancer research.
“It’s a field that has dramatically changed over the past 30 years, thanks to clinical research and, even, basic research,” he said.
“We provide services to all kinds of patients with blood cancers. The prognosis and the outcome have significantly improved across probably all diagnoses.”
City of Hope provides diagnostic, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation or stem cell transplantation.
“We highlight what would make a big difference, so the patients realize that they have improved outcome, sometimes cure prolonged survival, and really specialized supportive services.”
He emphasized that blood cancers differ significantly from solid tumors like breast or lung cancer. Their treatment requires specialized medications, cellular therapies, and transplant capabilities.
One of the most powerful tools City of Hope offers is access to clinical trials. Dr. Kovacsovics explained that new cancer therapies undergo three phases of testing — first for safety, then for effectiveness, and finally in comparison to standard treatments. Successful trials lead to FDA approval and wider patient access.
“City of Hope has become one of the largest blood cancer programs in the country, and our goal is to expand modern cancer care nationally while bringing specialized treatments and clinical trials directly to the community,” Dr. Kovacsovics said.
City of Hope’s Phoenix campus now participates in trials developed at its flagship Duarte, California, location, bringing cutting‑edge therapies closer to home for Arizona families.
“We want patients to know they don’t have to drive across the Valley for world‑class care,” Dr. Kovacsovics said. “They can receive modern treatment, clinical trials, and transplant services right here.”
