I am so happy to be receiving the regular communications from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and have easy access to its website. Both are full of updates on research across the US and abroad about new treatments and their possibilities. Hearing about Kathy Giusti and her non-stop efforts to get the medical community and the pharmaceutical community to work together is so impressive. I have great respect for her and the way she has established this foundation and its focus on putting the best minds together to find a cure for Multiple Myeloma. The most important aspect of this connection is the hope it offers. After reading the new information, I am always encouraged. I feel this is evidence that all involved are working their hardest and using all of the available resources to help ME. I can't ask for anything more.
When I was diagnosed with MM in 2010, my daughter and niece found out about MMRF and immediately signed up to walk in the Chicago area Race for Research which was a week after my surgery. My wife, sister, brother-in-law, and son-in-law also walked on that rainy chilly fall day, but, from that walk, we have discovered what an outstanding organization MMRF is. The information they have provided about MMRF and the progress being made in its treatment has been so helpful as we have navigated our own journey with the illness. And the fact that MMRF has helped not only to fund much of the research but to spur some of that research and the collaborative way in which it is done is truly amazing. To top it all off, they are very resourceful in the way that they manage the funds they have raised so that almost all of it goes into research. We have walked in both the Chicago and Twin Cities races since 2011 and have raised over $22,000 for MMRF. We look forward to joining family and friends each year hoping that a cure will be found soon.
As a 15 year survivor of multiple myeloma, I credit the MMRF with speeding new treatments through the approval process so that I have always had other options available to me. I am grateful for the work they do to get researchers and clinicians, as well as patients, to work together to facilitate efficient progress.
When my sister was diagnosed with MM in late April 2011, I was grateful to learn of the work of the MMRF and determined to get involved with this organization. In the last two and a half years, I have run 4 marathons as a member of MMRF Power Team, participated in the Empire State Run Up, run 2 Race for Research 5Ks in Atlanta, and attended the 2011 Gala. To say that I am thankful for the work of MMRF is to severely understate my feelings. The advances made possible through MMRF's research and advocacy are why my sister is still with us today. Until there is a cure, I will continue to devote as much energy as I am able to this worthwhile organization.
My journey with MMRF began with my diagnosis in 2009. The organization is so well run with such singular focus, the results they achieve are truly life-saving. When I relapsed this year, I knew there were more options available due in part to the tireless work of MMRF. Family & friends look forward to the Race for Research in CA & IL. It's rewarding to raise funds & know exactly where the money is going.
My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in in 2008. By July 2012 she had already had one stem cell transplant, gone into remission and then had the myeloma return. All of the available drugs had failed to hold the disease at bay. If it weren't for Carfilzomib becoming available that month, a drug the MMRF helped speed to market she probably wouldn't be with us today, in remission again. Simply put, the MMRF helped save my wife's life.
This amazing organization is fundamentally changing cancer research and drug development as we know it. All of us will benefit one way or another as the rest of the research world adapts to their method of open cooperation between all stake holders, including patients.
MMRF is a remarkable foundation. They have found the magic model. Their mission is simple: cure the disease, and help patients on the way. They are not distracted from their mission by self-sustaining fund raising. They create a remarkable connection between the leading edge of medical discovery and individual patients through a compassionate and caring community, the staff of MMRF. Few in number, they bring the best docs face to face with patients and family, and work closely with pharm companies who want to drop the traditional ways of secretive research, and only work with a community of docs and companies who are willing to share data and results in the quickest manner. That's quite obviously why such rapid medical advances are taking place through MMRF and their approach to a cure. Our family has been touched by too many cancers. I've volunteered and contributed to many cancer causes and foundations. I'd not known of MMRF or the impact of multiple myeloma until my brother-in-law was diagnosed. I've never seen a foundation so efficient in delivering services and information to patients and their families. I've never seen one so diligent and committed to leveraging resources in enabling direct medical studies. And, I've never seen one so focused on the cure, not self-sustainment.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 5 years ago. The treatments I received, and continue to receive, were all developed through research funded by the MMRF. I feel very strongly that I would not be alive today if it were not for the MMRF. Since Multiple Myeloma is a relatively rare cancer, research into a cure for it does not receive much government funding. Thus, the work done by the MMRF to fund important research is critical. Funds raised by the MMRF are well spent as over 90% of all donations go directly to research, patient education, and support.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in December of 2010 and am in a complete remission. I am amazed at the work that the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation does. Their work increases the life span of patients diagnosed with this incurable disease. They have funded development of new drugs that patients can take when other drugs have failed to control MM. This charity has changed the course of MM-making it more of a chronic disease and increasing the life expectancy of those suffering from MM. They also hold educational meetings for patients and caregivers. Recently message boards were introduced where patients can come together to support each other. They are striving towards their ultimate goal of finding a cure by sharing data among researchers.
The staff at the MMRF is amazing. I feel that we are a team working together to help raise funds to support this great nonprofit. I have attended small and large gatherings, races and an awards dinner. Though the events are different, the feeling among all the attendees is always the same. Our lives would not be the same without the MMRF. There is not a greater or more productive nonprofit than the MMRF.
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer. Thanks to the MMRF, this cancer is being battled with new drug and treatment therapies that have emerged because of the support of the MMRF. Because the CEO has multiple myeloma herself, she understands the complexities of the illness, its effects on the body, and the urgent need for continued research into new therapies. Those of us with MM want and cure. Based on the work of the MMRF, it is not hard to believe that a cure will be found.
Additionally, everyone I've come into contact with at the MMRF is fantastic! They are supportive, knowledgable, and are intent on finding new therapies and a cure. I can regularly expect emails or calls from the MMRF just checking in on me to see how I am managing my illness and how I am feeling. They recently launched a new Gateway, which brings together those of us with MM from around the world into a forum to exchange information and ideas, as well as to offer support. The Gateway will continue to bring topics of importance to participants and to the MMRF as well. It's an amazing opportunity for clients, caregivers, and researchers alike.
I am involved in the MMRF 5k Race for Research in Boston. I will always support the MMRF through this race and other opportunities, because I know they are leading the way in finding a cure and are using their research dollars prudently, expeditiously, and with focused intention. They are an organization that so clearly understands their priorities and objectives.
My Dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2011 and very quickly was given 4-6 weeks to live. Thanks to the research and Doctors we were able to resource from the MMRF we were given two more years with my Dad. It wasn't a cure but we were given more time and that was a gift. He passed away June 2013.
I have been involved with the annual MMRF 5k race for the cure in DC for the past 3 years (my dad crossed the finish line in 2012 after a bone marrow transplant) and I am passionate about staying involved with the MMRF in order to help find a cure and honor my Dad's battle.
The few staff members I have had the privilege to meet are passionate about what they do.
Thank you MMRF....here's to finding a cure!
My dad lost his 11 year battle with myeloma about two years ago. While we miss him every day, I know that if not for the MMRF, my dad's battle would have been much shorter. The MMRF has been incredible in bringing new treatments to the market and for that, my family and I are forever grateful as it prolonged my dad's life.
Also, the MMRF has provided a real sense of togetherness for our family with other families affected by myeloma. We have been fundraising by participating in the Chicago Race for Research for 13 years, and have even gone on to find new, creative ways to raise money and awareness for this amazing organization. Since the MMRF donates an almost unheard of over 90 cents of each dollar directly toward research, AND shares information with other worthy organizations, it is easy to rally the help of our family and friends for this cause. We sincerely look forward to our time spent raising much needed funds and awareness for the MMRF and will continue doing it even more in the future.
To everyone at the MMRF, thank you for everything you do!
I was diagnosed with Myeloma in 1995 so I was all ears when I saw Kathy Giusti and her sister Karen being interviewed about starting the MMRF. I've always been impressed with the way Kathy has applied her prior business planning experience towards developing a successful business model for raising dollars for research and making sure those dollars pay off in succesful applications. I support the MMRF for all they've accomplished and continue to produce advances in myeloma treatments and long-term survivorship.
I have been living with Myeloma for almost 12 years now (diagnosed at age 34). I was introduced to the MMRF in 2003 when a friend of mine read an article in Family Circle, about this young woman, Kathy Giusti, who had myeloma and along with her twin sister, started the MMRF. Since then my husband , many friends and I have been avid supporters of the MMRF. This organization had given me great hope that someday there will be a cure for my cancer. This organization has done so much for Myeloma, a once unknown, underfunded cancer. MMRF has not only advanced research and treatments for Myeloma but for 30 other cancers. The efforts of the MMRF and their partners, Pharma and research centers, have brought 6 new drugs to help treat Myeloma. 6 drugs in less than 10 years!! An unheard of achievement in the research world!! Their research is also looking into the genetics of this disease and finding drugs that focus on our specific genetic abnormality....which there are many. I am eternally grateful to the the MMRF...because of them I have hope, hope for a long, quality filled life with my family and friends!
I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2008. I almost immediately heard about the mmrf through a friend and patient. The work this group does to 1) share information/research and 2) to put patients together with other patients who have similar aspects of my disease is awesome. They have been setting the standard and pushing the envelope for cancer research as a whole. It is for this reason that I push myself to "give back" and raise money to fight MM. Thanks to the mmrf, it is my opinion that MM will become a chronic rather than mortal disease in my lifetime.
I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2008. At that time I started to do a lot of research and found the MMRF. I signed up for their informative newsletter and from there my life changed. I was asked to be on the MMRF Power Team for the Empire State Building Run Up I used that race to get the message out to everyone what a great organization the MMRF is. I am now training for my third ESBRU as a Power Team Member. But what is so special about this is the people I met at the MMRF and through the MMRF. I have attended and participated in other MMRF events. I am proud to be a member of an organization that does so much for research.
I got involved in fundraising for MMRF because my brother is a Multiple Myeloma survivor, but I continue to put my heart and soul into fundraising with them because I know a majority of the funds are going directly to research, and because I have such respect for founder Kathy Giusti and the events team members who coordinate the fundraising activities. They make sure I am equipped with the knowledge and tools I need to maximize donations and even help with qualified expert advice on endurance training. And... they are just plain "good people." MMRF is doing big things with a small but mighty team!