Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is pleased to announce that the 2026 James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to BDO USA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wayne Berson, at the annual black-tie Ball in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
The James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award was established in memory of Mr. Jim Eichberg, a long-time volunteer and supporter of Blood Cancer United, who made service to others an integral part of his daily life. The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of an individual or organization that has demonstrated dedication and commitment to the mission of Blood Cancer United, thereby making a significant impact on the lives of patients and families.
Recent past recipients of this award include: Evelyn Akers Baltimore, COO of Malloy Auto Group; Terry O’Sullivan, General President Emeritus of LiUNA; Lynne O’Brien, Founder and CEO of Line in the Sand; Nazzic Keene, retired CEO of SAIC; Neil Kishter, Private Wealth Advisor for Morgan Stanley; C.E. Andrews, former CEO of MorganFranklin Consulting; Kevin Fay, Vice Chairman and CEO of Alcalde & Fay.
Wayne has served as BDO’s CEO since 2012, which is also the year he forged BDO’s relationship with Blood Cancer United. Under his leadership, BDO established its core purpose of helping people thrive every day. Through corporate fundraising and sponsorship of Blood Cancer United’s Light the Night and Leukemia Ball, Wayne also served as Chair for both campaigns in 2014 and 2016-2017 respectively. With the Berson family’s generous personal support, BDO has made an over $1.3M impact.
“Under Wayne’s leadership, BDO has set the bar for corporate engagement by engraining philanthropy into their culture,” said Ria Freydberg Marcario, Executive Director of Blood Cancer United’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Wayne exemplifies the kind of individual The James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award is meant to honor: a tireless advocate who makes volunteerism a part of their daily life. We are honored to recognize Wayne’s outstanding efforts and the extraordinary impact he has had on the lives of cancer patients. This impact has significantly contributed to unprecedented advances in research that are providing patients with new, innovative, and more effective therapies. Simply put, he is saving lives today.”
Wayne inspires a culture where social impact is more than corporate responsibility; it’s a personal commitment to supporting community organizations like Blood Cancer United, doing deeply meaningful work. Like many individuals’ experiences with their family, friends, and colleagues, Wayne also has a story that ties him directly to this cause. The mission connection that continues to fuel his passion for our organization and cause is his brother’s battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
In 1972, his younger brother Philip, just 7 years old, fell ill. At that time, the odds of survival were only 5%. Imagine that. A child, with his whole life ahead of him, given only a sliver of hope.
But even in the darkest moments, there was purpose. Doctors urged more testing—not only to guide Philip’s treatment, but to contribute to research that would one day save countless lives.
And today, we see the impact of that research. Because of decades of dedication, funding, and extraordinary organizations like Blood Cancer United, the survival rate for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has soared—from just 5% to an incredible 74%. That is more than progress. It is a transformation. It is hope realized.
When Wayne moved from South Africa to the United States, he carried his brother’s story with him. He committed himself to honoring Philip’s memory by standing with organizations that are changing the future for patients and families affected by blood cancer.
“Receiving the James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award is deeply humbling, but the true honor is standing alongside the incredible community at Blood Cancer United,” shared Berson. “This cause is personal to me—my brother’s battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma shaped my life and my commitment to advancing research and support for patients and families. The progress we’ve witnessed is nothing short of remarkable, but there is still work to be done. When we unite our passion, resources, and determination, we can transform hope into reality for those facing blood cancers. Together, we can create a future where every child, every family, and every patient has a fighting chance.” This is not a mission we can accomplish alone. The progress we celebrate today is proof of what happens when people and organizations come together. And today, we invite each of you to be part of that momentum. Companies and individuals can join in supporting Blood Cancer United’s Leukemia Ball through an Exclusive Partnership like BDO’s, who is our 2026 Presenting Partner, by purchasing a table or tickets, championing fundraising efforts, or by making a meaningful personal donation.
Every action, big or small, fuels research, saves lives, and lifts families who are fighting their toughest battles. So, let’s stand together. Let’s continue to build on this progress. And let’s ensure that tomorrow’s survival rates climb even higher—until the day when blood cancer is not just treatable, but curable.
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Tags: awards, bdo, blood cancer, leukemia
