In 2018, the D Jones Family Charitable Foundation continued its support of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). This year’s contribution is earmarked for the Immunotherapy Initiative. MMRF was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the world’s number one private funder of multiple myeloma research. Since its inception, MMRF has raised over $330 million and directs nearly 90% of its total budget to research and related programming.
Immunotherapy Initiative – More Information
According to a quote from Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Giusti in a press release, “Immunotherapy has transformed outcomes for patients with many kinds of cancers that previously had few effective options. There is a significant opportunity to improve the efficacy of these immune agents and identify patients more likely to respond to specific immune approaches, and by applying our unique precision medicine model, we’re confident we’ll put the promise of a cure within reach.” Read More
About MMRF
According to the MMRF website, multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells. It is the second most common blood cancer. Historically, there was little hope for patients, because multiple myeloma treatment options were incredibly limited. As recently as 10 years ago, MMRF says, the life expectancy of a myeloma patient was only three years. Today that has more than tripled, thanks to the work of the MMRF in funding research that is extending the lives of patients while they work on a cure. The MMRF has contributed to the FDA approval of 10 new drugs for multiple myeloma in less than 12 years – a track record unparalleled in oncology. There are currently 27 new treatments being studied and over 60 clinical trials have been launched. Read More