Nearly 200 employees of Gilead Sciences are participating in a virtual 5K run/walk. May 18-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 champion for veterans in their final days.
So far, participants have raised $9,000, more than any previous year’s total, with a week still to go. Gilead Sciences will 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, California, to Boston, Massachusetts.
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.
“Chad is profoundly missed by everyone who knew him,” said Kisa Heyer, CEO 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,” Heyer said.
“Over the years, we have proudly raised funds to help fulfill Dreams for Veterans, and this year carried especially profound significance,” said 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,” they said.
“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,” they said.
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 32 years.
To support the organization’s mission, visit DreamFoundation.org/donate.
Dream Foundation created Dreams for Veterans in 2014 to tailor the Dream experience to veterans, service members, and their families. Learn more at dreamsforveterans.org.