NORWALK, Conn.---The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) today announced that Kathy Giusti, Founder and CEO of the MMRF and the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), will become the Executive Chairman of the MMRF Board of Directors. Dana LaForge, who served as Board Chairman for ten years, will continue to serve on the MMRF Board. Walter Capone will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, reporting to Kathy Giusti.
According to Giusti, the MMRF is entering a new era of transformational change in treating cancer. "As we participate in the global cancer research platform, we are very excited to be collaborators in developing opportunities that strengthen and speed our quest for a cure. We see new hope every day as we share big data to drive discovery and pursue innovative approaches in immune therapy, targeted drugs and trial design. I look forward to my new role that allows me to continue to support our commitment to myeloma patients, focus on expanding critical corporate partnerships, and launch the largest capital campaign in the company's history."
The MMRF attributes its success over the past sixteen years to the work with many brilliant, innovative and courageous people. Dana LaForge provided thoughtful, inclusive, forward-thinking leadership as Board Chairman and will continue to be a valued asset to the organization. In his tenure with the MMRF, Walter Capone has helped build a talented team who demonstrate the MMRF's core values of innovation, results and urgency. The MMRF looks forward to Walter taking on this new role to lead in bold, groundbreaking initiatives, to align new partners and further solidify the MMRF's leadership position.
Giusti believes there is still much to do and with the leadership structure announced today, that the MMRF can continue to solidify, strengthen and speed the quest for a cure for Multiple Myeloma. "When I contemplate our accomplishments over the last sixteen years, I am filled with the pride of all those involved in our legacy. I am grateful for our talented team, our outstanding collaborators, and the courageous patients who inspire us every day. Together, we have made tremendous advances in extending patients' lives while accelerating a cure for multiple myeloma."
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 more than $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.