Climb Date: February 7-17, 2026
🧗♂️ Why I’m Climbing
In the fall of 2018, I got to know a colleague at work through a cross-functional leadership training program. He spoke about getting folks to participate in a 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe. I wasn’t a biker and didn’t even own a bike but it sounded like a cool challenge (let’s ignore the bike wreck while training that resulted in three pins inserted in/to stabilize my finger for 6 weeks).
I didn’t grasp initially that this was a Team in Training event to raise money for Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society). I also slowly learned about my work colleague’s connection to Blood Cancer United and his wife’s journey with blood cancer and the multitude of her other related health matters. Attending the Team in Training dinner the night before the Tahoe ride was an emotional and eye opening experience. While, my family has not been impacted by blood cancer, I met and heard from various families who had been impacted- their trial, tribulations and unfortunately, too many times, their loss. I learned how this impacted people of all ages from infants to the elderly.
The morning of of our Tahoe ride, my work colleague (now a very close personal friend) shared with the group of riders his wife's and his family’s journey with leukemia and why he was doing the ride (and had done over 25 Team in Training events) in his relentless effort to raise money for Blood Cancer United.
I was touched not only by their journey but also by the stories, passion and commitment of all the impacted families I have met. I have also been equally and impressed by Team in Training and the Blood Cancer United organization; and their relentless and zealous efforts to end blood cancer and find cures.
So after that ride, I was hooked to the cause and the organization and have been a consistent supporter to Blood Cancer United. Each time I hear from the survivors, those cured and those actively fighting the disease, it reinforces my commitment.
This is my first Blood Cancer United event since my 100 mile Tahoe ride back in June 2019. The 9 of us doing this Kilimanjaro summit climb are attempting to raise $100,000. My friend’s wife continues to be a warrior EVERYDAY as she navigates her various health battles. It makes my 100 mile ride and this summit climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro seem pretty trivial. Hopefully the financial commitment we can raise can aid in making a difference in the collective fight to end blood cancer.
I appreciate that we all have causes we support whether that be through our time and/or financial commitment. I also appreciate people’s financial commitments may be limited - but any financial support you can provide to our Kilimanjaro climb goal of $100,000 would be greatly (and truly) appreciated.
💉Why It Matters
Thanks to donor support, survival rates for many blood cancers have doubled or even quadrupled in recent years. Blood Cancer United-funded therapies are also now helping people with other cancers—and even diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
Your support fuels more than research. It powers hope, advocacy, education, and direct patient care.
💪 How You Can Help
This climb is my way of taking action.
Every step I take up Kilimanjaro is a step toward a world without blood cancer. I’ll be training hard, hiking high, and sharing updates from the trail (yes, even at 19,341 ft of altitude!) to show what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Your support—no matter the amount—truly makes a difference. Together, we’re not just climbing a mountain. We’re moving one.
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to Blood Cancer United.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s cure this - together!
— Gregg Soroka
Proud member of The Kili Kurers
For more information about Blood Cancer United, visit https://bloodcancerunited.org/
P.S. Check to see if your company matches donations https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/employee-matching-gifts
