Norwalk, Conn., December 11, 2024 – The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF®) and Family Reach, a national nonprofit providing financial support to families facing cancer, announced today a partnership to support more equitable access to clinical trials for multiple myeloma patients. This is the continuation of an action plan the MMRF developed to improve diversity and representation in myeloma clinical trials following its first Health Equity Summit in 2022 focused on improving equity and inclusiveness in multiple myeloma clinical research.
Over 800,000 people with cancer are unable to afford food, housing, utilities, and transportation each year, impacting their ability to access and adhere to cancer care. Family Reach works tirelessly to bridge this gap, providing financial resources to patients and caregivers in need. By joining forces with Family Reach, the MMRF expands its mission of accelerating a cure for each and every multiple myeloma patient.
“We at the MMRF believe that every myeloma patient should have an equal opportunity to participate in clinical trials and are deeply committed to improving representation in clinical research,” said Michael Andreini, President and CEO at the MMRF. “We are pleased to partner with Family Reach to improve the opportunities patients have to help advance a new generation of therapies and potentially benefit from emerging treatment approaches.”
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells that develops in bone marrow. It is the second most common blood cancer in the U.S., with 35,750 new cases and 12,590 deaths estimated to occur this year. New agents and therapies have resulted in better outcomes, but most multiple myeloma patients eventually relapse.
“We know that collaboration is the only way to address health equity in cancer. We are thrilled to partner with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to connect more families facing cancer to life-saving financial support,” said Carla Tardif, CEO of Family Reach. “Together, we can ensure that no patient or caregiver has to choose between paying for treatment and keeping the lights on.”
Through this collaboration, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Family Reach will work to:
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to changing the landscape of cancer care, ensuring that patients and their loved ones receive the support they need on every level. Together, the MMRF and Family Reach will offer hope to countless families across the country.
About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF®)
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is the largest nonprofit in the world solely focused on accelerating a cure for each and every multiple myeloma patient. We drive the development and delivery of next-generation therapies, leverage data to identify optimal and more personalized treatment approaches, and empower myeloma patients and the broader community with information and resources to extend their lives. Central to our mission is our commitment to advancing health equity so that all myeloma patients can benefit from the scientific and clinical advances we pursue. Since our inception, the MMRF has raised over $600 million for research, opened nearly 100 clinical trials, and helped bring 15+ FDA-approved therapies to market, which have tripled the life expectancy of myeloma patients. To learn more, visit www.themmrf.org.
About Family Reach
Family Reach is the only national nonprofit focused solely on helping people with cancer access food, housing, utilities, and transportation. Treatment requires more than medicine — families need a roof over their heads and food on their tables to survive. We work with patients, care teams, and community-based organizations to provide immediate and ongoing financial support for these basic needs. Together we’re challenging the systems that force people to choose between their health and their homes.
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Media Contact:
Adam Silverstein
Scient PR
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