runDisney and Blood Cancer United Honor Survivor Nikki at WDW Marathon
Walt Disney World cast member and blood cancer survivor Nikki cheered on her mother during her first runDisney 10K in support of Blood Cancer United, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend celebrated charity. The 30-year partnership has raised over $96 million for research and patient support, with Nikki herself now working at Animal Kingdom two years after her stem cell transplant.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend carried extra meaning for Disney cast member and blood cancer survivor Nikki as she cheered on her mother running her first-ever runDisney 10K in support of Blood Cancer United, the race weekend's celebrated charity.
Nikki's Journey From Diagnosis to Magic Kingdom
"It all started with just a few bruises I couldn't explain. Within 24 hours of hearing the word 'leukemia,' I was on a flight to Seattle to start treatment," Nikki shared.
Nikki was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent intensive chemotherapy followed by a full stem cell transplant, a process she describes as "rebuilding your immune system from scratch." Her donor was a young man across the country whose selfless choice saved her life.
"She was with me 24/7. I don't think there was a single moment she wasn't right by my side," Nikki said of her mother, who was a constant support during treatment.
Disney's Commitment to Cast Wellness and Charitable Fundraising
Now two years in remission, Nikki works at Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom, part of Walt Disney World. As a leader in workplace wellness, Disney supports cast members like Nikki with a variety of resources focused on well-being and growth.
"I try to put a lot of care into every interaction. A kind word or a small moment can change someone's day. You never know what someone else might be going through," Nikki said.
Blood Cancer United has been a celebrated charity of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for more than 30 years, raising over $96 million to support research and patients across that time.
"That fundraising leads to new treatments and options for people like me. Runners supporting this cause are giving people hope and second chances," Nikki said.
"Being able to support and honor my daughter by running the Walt Disney World 10K meant everything to me," said Nikki's mom, Sharon. "It was a way to thank everyone who helped get us here and to carry those families with us every step of the way."
Key Details
- Event: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 10K
- Charity: Blood Cancer United, 30+ year runDisney partner
- Total raised over 30 years: more than $96 million
- Nikki's workplace: Creature Comforts, Animal Kingdom
- Time in remission: two years post stem cell transplant
What This Means for Disney Fans
runDisney continues to be a powerful fundraising engine for causes that matter, and Nikki's story shows how Disney's cast wellness commitments and charity partnerships come together during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.