Gilead Sciences' Employee Resource Groups Run/Walk 5k To Raise Funds for Dreams for Veterans
The Californer/10348703

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Californer -- Nearly 200 employees of Gilead Sciences are participating in a virtual 5K run/walk from May 18 to June 12 to raise funds for Dream Foundation's Dreams for Veterans program. This year's event - the fifth of its kind - is dedicated to the memory of Chad Blomgren, a U.S. Army veteran, Gilead colleague, and tireless champion for veterans in their final days.

So far, participants have raised $9,000 - more than any previous year's total - with eight days still to go. Gilead Sciences will generously match the final amount raised, doubling the impact of every dollar contributed.

Employees from Gilead's Veterans Engagement Team (GVET) and Women at Gilead (W@G) are taking part at locations across the country, from Santa Monica, Calif. to Boston, Mass.

Dreams for Veterans fulfills end-of-life Dreams for terminally ill veterans, active service members, and their families. Gilead Sciences has supported Dream Foundation since 2022.

Blomgren was a founding member of Dream Foundation's Dreams for Veterans Advisory Council. Over the course of his involvement, he coordinated more than 30 visits to Dream recipients - often personally accompanying Gilead employees as they delivered everything Dream Foundation provided for each Dream. In 2023, he was appointed to Dream Foundation's Board of Directors, a role he held until his unexpected death in 2025.

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"Chad is profoundly missed by everyone who knew him," said Kisa Heyer, Chief Executive Officer of Dream Foundation. "He was so committed to serving veterans. It's such a fitting tribute that this year's event is dedicated to his memory."

"This marks the fifth year of bringing this event to life—a milestone that reflects not only sustained commitment, but also the meaningful impact we have been able to achieve together. Over the years, we have proudly raised funds to help fulfill Dreams for Veterans, and this year carried especially profound significance," says Gilead event co-founders Chase Williams and Natalie Rose. "We were honored to dedicate the event to Chad Blomgren. This tribute resonated deeply across the community and brought a powerful sense of purpose and connection to the event. Chad was a steadfast supporter from the very inception of this initiative, and his belief in its mission helped shape what it has become today. It is truly a privilege—and a lasting honor—to continue this work in his name and to carry forward the legacy of his compassion, service, and unwavering support."

About Dream Foundation:

Dream Foundation, the only national dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, fulfills final Dreams that provide joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. With the support of a nationwide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, the organization has served more than 35,000 final Dreams over the last thirty-two years. Dream Foundation has Charity Navigator's four-star rating—its highest—for sound and transparent fiscal management assuring its donors and partners that their investment will be used wisely. Dream Foundation receives no state or federal funding, relying on individual and corporate donations. To support the mission please visit DreamFoundation.org/donate. Dream On!

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About Dreams for Veterans:

Dream Foundation created Dreams for Veterans in 2014 to tailor the Dream experience to veterans, service members, and their families. Dream recipients are terminally-ill U.S. military veterans, active service members, and members of the Reserve and National Guard in every state and Puerto Rico. This program acknowledges these groups and honors their service by fulfilling their final Dream, providing them, their families and caregivers joy, comfort and closure at the end of life. For more information, please visit: dreamsforveterans.org (http://www.dreamsforveterans.org/).