Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Launches Annual Cycling Fundraiser in California Wine Country

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is set to kick off its eighth annual Road to Victories cycling program on August 24, 2024, in San Francisco. This six-day endurance cycling event, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, will take participants through the scenic Napa Valley and Sonoma vineyards, combining physical challenge with a noble cause.

Since its inception in 2017, the Road to Victories program has seen 160 participants, including 31 multiple myeloma patients, alongside caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members, and Johnson & Johnson employees. The program has raised over $2 million, with all proceeds directly supporting the MMRF's mission to accelerate a cure for multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells, has seen significant advancements in treatment options and patient life expectancy due to the efforts of organizations like the MMRF. The foundation has committed over $600 million to research and related programs, contributing to the development of 15+ FDA-approved therapies that have tripled the life expectancy of myeloma patients.

Michael Andreini, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MMRF, expressed gratitude for the cyclists' dedication and Johnson & Johnson's continued support. He emphasized the foundation's commitment to taking calculated risks and driving innovation through collaboration to benefit myeloma patients worldwide.

Tyrone Brewer, President of U.S. Hematology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, reaffirmed the company's vision of a future where multiple myeloma is curable. He highlighted the partnership with MMRF as an example of their shared commitment to bringing hope and progress to the multiple myeloma community.

The impact of the Road to Victories program extends beyond fundraising. It has enabled the MMRF to open nearly 100 clinical trials, collect thousands of diverse patient samples and tissues, and build CoMMpass, one of the largest genomic datasets for any cancer. These efforts contribute significantly to advancing personalized treatment approaches and extending patients' lives.

Participants in this year's event will come from various locations across the United States, including Chicago, San Francisco, Sacramento, Denver, Washington DC, Cleveland, Columbus, and Pennsylvania. The challenging route through California Wine Country offers not only physical endurance tests but also breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment for the riders.

The MMRF's dedication to health equity ensures that all myeloma patients can benefit from the scientific and clinical advances pursued through programs like Road to Victories. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of transforming multiple myeloma from a life-threatening disease into a manageable and potentially curable condition.

As the largest nonprofit focused solely on accelerating a cure for multiple myeloma, the MMRF's efforts through events like Road to Victories play a crucial role in advancing research, treatment options, and patient support. The continued success of this program demonstrates the power of community engagement and corporate partnerships in driving meaningful progress in cancer research and patient care.

Interested individuals can learn more about the Road to Victories program and the MMRF's work at www.themmrf.org. The cycling event not only raises funds but also awareness, bringing hope to those affected by multiple myeloma and showcasing the strength of collective action in the fight against cancer.