The Breakfast of Champions…

is our annual fundraising event that highlights our mission during a sit-down breakfast. This event features the presentation of The Nikki Award, which is given each year to an individual or group who has demonstrated remarkable strength, courage, and grace in the face of blood cancer or a blood disorder. This year, The Nikki Award will be presented to the Petersen family: Mica, Paul, Kat, Philip, MC and Pike who have shown immense resilience, first when Mica battled lymphoma and underwent a blood stem cell transplant, and again when the youngest member of their family, Pike, was diagnosed with leukemia. Pike’s journey inspired 1,729 people to sign up as potential donors, and so far, two individuals have completed the donation process, offering second chances at life to patients in need. Unfortunately, Pike passed away due to health complications following a successful transplant. The Petersen family is dedicated to honoring Pike’s memory by continuing his legacy of inspiration. We are proud to present the 2025 Nikki Award to the Petersens for their unwavering support of our mission, including their advocacy for patients and families, raising awareness about the need for more donors, and encouraging others to get swabbed. As a special highlight at the end of the event, we will have a first-time meeting between a donor and a patient.