NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 1,000 supporters, multiple myeloma patients, and celebrity guests came together to celebrate the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and its commitment to cancer patients this past Saturday. The 18th Annual MMRF Fall Gala is one the country’s largest cancer research benefits and the highlight of the social calendar.
A who’s who of the area’s most generous and steadfast philanthropists filled the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, to honor Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent NBC News and multiple myeloma patient with the MMRF Spirit of Hope Award. The Spirit of Hope Award is the highest honor presented by the Foundation in recognition of the extraordinary contributions by the honoree to inspire hope through his or her life work. Past recipients of the coveted MMRF Spirit of Hope Award include Berry Gordy, Clive J. Davis, Diana Krall and Stevie Wonder. Additionally, Janssen Research & Development, LLC was awarded with the MMRF Corporate Leadership Award in recognition of Janssen’s commitment to multiple myeloma patients and its strong partnership with the MMRF. Accepting the award on Janssen’s behalf was William N. Hait M.D., Ph.D., Global Head at Janssen Research and Development, LLC.
Brian Williams, Honorary MMRF Board of Directors member, Anchor and Managing Editor NBC Nightly News, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and Wynton Marsalis, musician, composer, educator; Managing and Artistic Director Jazz at Lincoln Center, served as the evening headliner. Other well-known attendees included: Andrea Mitchell, Hoda Kotb, Willie Geist and Lee and Bob Woodruff.
“I am so inspired by Tom’s strong spirit, as well as the incredible support given by many people from patients, to pharmaceutical partners, to leading philanthropists in support of our mission,” said Kathy Giusti, MMRF Executive Chairman and Founder of the MMRF and a multiple myeloma patient. “The MMRF was created by patients and individuals to bring about a meaningful change in cancer research models and we will not stop until cures are found.”
“We deeply appreciate the participation and partnership of so many prominent industry leaders and supporters who attended the MMRF Gala.” said Walter Capone, CEO and President of the MMRF. “Their backing and continuous collaboration will enable us to continue to drive leading-edge research and ground-breaking new treatments until we overcome this disease.”
The MMRF is proud to work with some of the world’s most respected research and medical industry partners. Together they have fueled studies, initiated trials, developed treatments and introduced new medicines that are having a lasting impact and saving lives across many cancers.
For more information about the MMRF Annual Fall Gala, please visit: www.themmrf.org/gala or call 888-584-5463.
About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell. It is the second most common blood cancer. An estimated 24,050 adults (13,500 men and 10,550 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014 and an estimated 11,090 people are predicted to die from the disease. The five-year survival rate for multiple myeloma is approximately 43%, versus 28% in 1998.
About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by twin sisters Karen Andrews and Kathy Giusti, soon after Kathy's diagnosis with multiple myeloma. The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. As the world's number-one private funder of multiple myeloma research, the MMRF has raised $250 million since its inception and directs nearly 90% of total budget to research and related programming. As a result, the MMRF has been awarded Charity Navigator’s coveted four-star rating for 11 consecutive years, the highest designation for outstanding fiscal responsibility and exceptional efficiency. For more information about the MMRF, please visit: www.themmrf.org.
