Stephen and Nancy Grand
Stephen Grand, a myeloma patient, and his wife, Nancy, are among the MMRF's most generous investors and one of the earliest and most enthusiastic supporters of 3,2,1: Cure. Stephen explains that they were impressed by the MMRF's ability to fund a portfolio of the most promising programs and to accelerate critical clinical trials by working closely with biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Stephen is a member of the MMRF and MMRC Board of Directors.

“"[Supporting the MMRF] was the most effective way we could support research on a broad, national basis and provide effective help in finding a cure. We increased our fund-raising level, not only because of our own enthusiasm for the MMRF's work, but also in an effort to encourage others," said Stephen Grand. ”

Eddie and Leslye Phillips
Eddie and Leslye Phillips, two of the MMRF's most generous donors, have taken a lead role in supporting 3,2,1: Cure. The Phillips first became involved in the MMRF's important work after Eddie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and, as an early investor in the MMRC, played an integral role in developing the Consortium's infrastructure. Eddie is a member of the MMRF and MMRC Board of Directors and serves on the MMRC Audit Committee.

Avi Noar
Avi Noar supports the MMRF in honor of his son-in law, who had multiple myeloma. Avi was impressed by the MMRF's business model of setting goals, strictly adhering to those goals, and using the majority of donations to support research that will lead to treatment innovations and, one day, a cure.

“"I know my contribution to the MMRF will support breakthrough research that will help myeloma patients live longer, better lives," said Avi Noar.”

Linda Rodgers Emory
Linda Emory, a myeloma patient, is a lifelong philanthropist whose giving is guided by results. She recognized early on the potential return on investment in supporting 3,2,1: Cure and its portfolio of research programs, and generously supported the campaign. It is her belief that the MMRF's milestone—driven approach to research will result in the development of new treatments and, eventually, a cure for multiple myeloma.

William and Kate Schuett
Over the past decade, William and Kate Schuett have invested significantly every year to advance the MMRF's research portfolio. As a long-term myeloma patient, William has benefited from treatments the MMRF has helped bring to market — treatments that he credits for extending his life. The Schuetts are hopeful that their investment in 3,2,1: Cure will help advance the next generation of treatments and pave the way to a cure.

Elizabeth Donald
As the mother of MMRF Founders Kathy Giusti and Karen Andrews, Elizabeth Donald has generously supported the MMRF since its inception. She is particularly interested in funding research that will accelerate the development of better, more effective treatments for patients like Kathy and, ultimately, lead to a cure.

William Wilson, III
William Wilson, a myeloma patient, is one of the MMRF's most committed investors. He believed early on in the promise of the MMRC model in accelerating the development of new treatments and provided the funding needed to launch the Consortium in 2004. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the MMRF and MMRC and serves on the Resource Development Committee.

Rick and Vicki Birdoff
Following Rick's diagnosis with multiple myeloma, Rick and Vicki Birdoff took an active role in helping to raise critical research funds. By reaching out to their family and friends, the Birdoffs have helped raise critical research funds at events like the Friends for Life Fall Gala and Tri-State Race for Research. It is their hope that increased research funding will help advance the next generation of treatments for patients like Rick.

Pioneer Fund
The Pioneer Fund is a private family foundation that supports innovative organizations focused on medical research, education, and social welfare, is a lead funder of MMRF and MMRC research efforts, particularly in the areas of tissue banking and genomics. Scott Hamilton, a member of the MMRF Honorary Board of Directors, has said the fund was impressed by the MMRF's efficiency and felt it was an organization they could trust to "get the job done."

“"The MMRF has done an extraordinary job of leading by example, and they've been very successful. I've never dealt with such a large number of committed, passionate, and top-notch researchers and staff," said Pioneer Fund Board Member Scott Hamilton”