Music and Sports Legends Celebrate the MMRF

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), the world’s leading cancer research foundation, hosted more than 1,000 patients, supporters and celebrity guests at their 20th annual Gala to raise money for multiple myeloma research.

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From left to right: David Ogilvy, Field Ogilvy, Anne Ogilvy, CeeLo Green, Sugar Ray Leonard, Kathy Giusti, Nicole Giusti, Paul Giusti (Photo: Business Wire)

The event raised more than $1.6 million to fund the MMRF’s unique precision medicine model – the only end-to-end solution in precision medicine – that is bringing next-generation treatments to myeloma patients. In 2015 alone, four new myeloma treatments were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- an unprecedented feat in any cancer. These innovative drugs have helped increase the five-year survival rate for myeloma patients by over 40 percent.

Anne and David Ogilvy, Greenwich residents and MMRF supporters, received the MMRF’s Spirit of Hope Award for their resilience, dedication and perseverance in the fight against multiple myeloma.

“I am alive today because of the MMRF,” said David Ogilvy, the President and Owner of David Ogilvy & Associates Realtors. “The MMRF has revolutionized, accelerated and disrupted a slow, siloed cancer research system to offer unprecedented new treatments and therapies to patients everywhere.”

“As a patient-founded and patient-focused organization, we are honored to celebrate patients and caregivers like Anne and David Ogilvy who inspire us every day. Our end-to-end precision medicine model is heralded as best-in-class and we remain steadfast in our mission to find a cure,” stated MMRF President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Giusti.

Boxing legend, author and MMRF Honorary Board Member Sugar Ray Leonard served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Motown legend Smokey Robinson received the MMRF Courage and Commitment Award in recognition of his countless achievements as well as the hope he has inspired through his work. His music was celebrated in a tribute concert, headlined by Grammy Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter CeeLo Green, who performed Motown classics – as well as his hit song “Forget You” as a surprise encore.

As the world's number one private funder of multiple myeloma research, the MMRF together with its partners, has transformed treatments and dramatically improved the outlook for myeloma patients over the past decade. Presenting sponsors for the evening included Takeda Oncology and Janssen Oncology.

The MMRF also partnered with CharityBuzz to build awareness and raise funds for cancer research. Exclusive and premier auction packages include a one-week internship at Republic Records in NYC and lunch with Founder and CEO Monte Lipman, a threesome of Golf at Winged Foot Golf Club in Westchester, NY and a 4-night Fly Fishing Experience in Melrose, Montana. Bidding will remain open until 3 p.m. EDT on November 1. For a full list and descriptions of auction items, please visit: www.charitybuzz.com/mmrf

For more information about the MMRF Fall Gala, please visit: www.themmrf.org/FallGalaor call (203) 652-0221.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell. It is the second most common blood cancer. An estimated 30,330 adults (17,900 men and 12,430 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016 and an estimated 12,650 people are predicted to die from the disease. The five-year survival rate for MM is approximately 47%, versus 31% in 1999.

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

The mission of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is to find a cure for multiple myeloma by relentlessly pursuing innovation that accelerates the development of next-generation treatments to extend the lives of patients. Founded in 1998 by Kathy Giusti, a multiple myeloma patient, and her twin sister Karen Andrews as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the MMRF is a world-recognized leader in cancer research. Together with its partners, the MMRF has created the only end-to-end solution in precision medicine and the single largest genomic dataset in all cancers. The MMRF continues to disrupt the industry today, as a pioneer and leader at the helm of new research efforts. Since its inception, the organization has raised over $330 million and directs nearly 90% of the total funds to research and related programs. To learn more, visit www.themmrf.org.

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