The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) joined forces with some of the biggest names in the music industry in its ongoing fight against cancer at the 15th Anniversary MMRF Fall Gala on Saturday night.
All funds raised at this special event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Old Greenwich, CT, will support the development of life-extending treatments for multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. The event, co-chaired by Karen and Michael Reinert, was attended by more than 1,300 supporters. Michael Reinert is a Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP and is a member of the MMRF Board of Directors. Co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Carl Quintanilla, served as Master of Ceremonies.
At Saturday night’s event, five-time Grammy Award winner and music industry legend Clive Davis was honored with the MMRF Spirit of Hope Award, in recognition of his passion for helping his fellow man. Also, N. Anthony Coles, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was honored at the gala with the MMRF Corporate Leadership Award for Onyx’s leadership in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for improving the lives of people with cancer.
“It is truly an honor to receive this award from the MMRF, a foundation that is changing how everything is being done today in cancer research,” said Davis. “This event will enable the MMRF to continue its vital work in accelerating the development of life-extending treatments, to the benefit of multiple myeloma patients and those affected by other uncommon cancers”
The award ceremony was followed by a star-studded tribute concert in Davis’ honor featuring Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson, R&B and Pop sensation Earth, Wind & Fire and winner of NBC’s The Voice, Jermaine Paul.
“I am so proud to be here supporting the MMRF, an organization that is truly changing the course of cancer research,” said Hudson. “The MMRF is a leader in the field of cancer research and has helped to bring new hope to so many patients and families affected by this devastating disease. I hope that my participation at this event will help raise awareness of this rare and incurable cancer and the amazing work of this groundbreaking foundation.”
The MMRF has been recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative cancer research organizations. Significant MMRF achievements made possible by funding from programs like the MMRF Fall Gala include: providing access to life-extending drugs for patients who need them, sequencing the multiple myeloma genome, and helping to bring five new myeloma drugs to market in less than 10 years – including the July 2012 FDA approval of Onyx’s Kyprolis, to which the MMRF provided pivotal support to advance its development.
“We are so thankful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special event to support our urgent work,” said Kathy Giusti, Founder and CEO of the MMRF and a myeloma patient. “We are especially grateful to our honored guest Clive J. Davis and the wonderful musicians, Jennifer Hudson, Earth, Wind & Fire and Jermaine Paul who shared their talent with us this evening. Their endorsement of our mission is critical to raising awareness of this rare cancer.”
Source: PR Newswire
