Orion Greene was 15 when his father died of leukemia.

Eight months later, the San Rafael High School sophomore had raised more than $1.2 million for blood cancer research, patient services and treatments.

Greene, 16, raised $1,234,579 in seven weeks through Blood Cancer United's Student Visionaries of the Year program, a philanthropic competition for high school students. The organization, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, named him its 2026 National Student Visionary of the Year.

His father, John Greene, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia 15 years before his death in November 2025. During that time, John Greene served on Blood Cancer United's board, raised roughly $8 million for the organization and underwent three stem cell transplants.

"My dad inspired me to be bold when fundraising," Orion Greene told the Marin Independent Journal. "I really liked creating custom merchandise inspired by my dad's band, his love of piano and of our family cat, Katniss. It was a unique way to help families impacted by blood cancer."

The campaign, run by a student team called the Greene Goblins, combined direct fundraising asks with sales of T-shirts and coffee mugs sold online and at John Greene's memorial event in March. Orion's mother, Heather Greene, designed the merchandise line. Salesforce, where John Greene worked for more than a decade, also contributed to the campaign.

Dr. E. Anders Kolb, Blood Cancer United's president and chief executive, said John Greene brought "bold vision and resolute dedication" to the organization's mission and that the same spirit was reflected in Orion's campaign.

Blood Cancer United, founded in 1949, reports that nearly 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma each year. The organization describes itself as the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research and advocacy.

Orion Greene said he has attended Blood Cancer United's Light the Night events since he was a young child. His older brother, Floyd Greene, previously participated in the Student Visionaries of the Year program and helped support Orion's effort.