NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is proud to announce that it will honor Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent for NBC News who is living with multiple myeloma, with its Spirit of Hope Award at the MMRF Annual Fall Gala on November 8, 2014 in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Funds raised through this premier event will benefit the innovative cancer research models of the MMRF, which are aimed at accelerating the development of new treatments to extend the lives of patients and to lead to a cure of multiple myeloma, the second most prevalent blood cancer.
The MMRF Spirit of Hope Award is the highest honor presented by the foundation and is given in recognition of the extraordinary contributions by the honoree to inspiring hope through their life and work. Throughout his prolific career, Brokaw has brought awareness and reform to numerous causes such as AIDS, global warming, education reform, human rights issues and medical research to benefit the lives of countless people around the world.
“It is a privilege to be honored by the MMRF, a groundbreaking cancer research foundation that is directly benefitting the lives of so many patients,” said Brokaw. “The MMRF is defining a new era in cancer research and will not stop until cures are found.”
An extraordinary evening is planned for the MMRF Annual Fall Gala with Brian Williams, Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News and a member of the MMRF Honorary Board of Directors, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Williams was honored at the MMRF Annual Fall Gala in 2005 with the MMRF Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to the foundation.
“No organization is doing more to shape the future of cancer research,” said Williams. “I am grateful to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event in celebration of my good friend and colleague Tom Brokaw.”
The evening will culminate with a special performance by world-renowned trumpeter, bandleader and composer, Wynton Marsalis. The first jazz musician ever awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music, Marsalis has created a vital body of work that places him among the finest musicians and composers in the world. A New Orleans native, he is co-founder and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. His lifetime commitment to inspiring and uplifting people through artistic excellence has had an unparalleled impact around the world.
In addition to honoring Brokaw, the MMRF is proud to be presenting William N. Hait, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, with the MMRF Corporate Leadership Award. The MMRF is presenting this award in recognition of Janssen’s commitment to multiple myeloma patients and their strong partnership with the MMRF.
“We are thrilled to honor Tom Brokaw and Janssen and we look forward to an inspirational evening with Brian Williams as our host and Wynton Marsalis as our musical headliner,” said Walter M. Capone, CEO and President of the MMRF. “Most importantly, this evening will provide an opportunity to support MMRF efforts to advance cutting-edge cancer research with the speed and innovation that are enabling the unprecedented success of the MMRF and our partners.”
For more information about the MMRF Annual Fall Gala, please visit: www.themmrf.org/gala. To reserve a table, donate an auction item or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please email mmrf@benefitoffice.org 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.
