Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma Program to Climb Mount Washington

CRANBURY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of a fundraising effort by Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM), 22 individuals will take on a challenging climb up Mount Washington from June 28 to 30. MM4MM is a joint initiative by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, CURE Media Group and Celgene Corp. The upcoming climb will include patients, caregivers, team members from the organizing partners and myeloma nurses and doctors.

Since the MM4MM program began with its first climb in 2016, the program has raised $2.4 million. The funds that are raised go directly to support the MMRF’s unique Precision Medicine Model, which promises delivery of tailored cancer treatments based on a patient’s genetic profile.

“We are so proud that, going into our 4^th year of the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma program has brought together the myeloma community, including 55 patients, to climb some of the most epic peaks and treks in the world, raising awareness, research funding and hope for myeloma patients. This program symbolizes the progress that is being made in myeloma and demonstrates how patients are living longer, more full lives, able to take on activities and challenges that they could not have imagined when they heard the words, “you have cancer”, states Alicia O’Neill, director of Partnerships at the MMRF.

The Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma team will include a patient living with multiple myeloma:

• Richard Bell is a 15-year multiple myeloma survivor. He was diagnosed in 2004 after ignoring back pain for months until it developed into lack of feeling and paralysis below the waist. After diagnosis, Bell moved from England to California for radiation treatment. He then returned to London and used his sister’s bone marrow for a risky but very successful allogeneic transplant. Following the transplant, Bell had total body irradiation, which has led to his long remission.

“We are proud to be a part of this inspiring venture,” said Michael J. Hennessy Jr., president of MJH Associates, Inc., parent company of CURE Media Group. “This climb put on by Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma gives hope and optimism to patients, survivors and caregivers while raising sufficient funds toward multiple myeloma research.”

The team will take on Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States and the most prominent east of the Mississippi River, at 6,288 feet above sea level. On this full-day hike, the team will climb over 4,000 feet. After enjoying the view and reveling in their accomplishment at the summit of the mountain, they will continue their trek to the Lake of the Clouds Hut, nestled in the side of the mountain, where they will enjoy a celebration dinner and spend the night. On Sunday, the team will retrace their steps down the mountain to conclude their journey.

“Celgene, Cure and the MMRF are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with multiple myeloma and we are very proud to be a part of the Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma initiative,” said Chad Saward, senior director, patient advocacy at Celgene Corp. “We are inspired by all who are participating in this amazing program.”

To learn more about MM4MM and to donate to multiple myeloma research, click here.

About Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma

Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma is a collaboration between CURE Media Group and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to raise awareness and funds for myeloma research. This year, Amgen and Celgene Corp. join the effort as sponsors. In addition to Mount Washington, the program will also lead a hike through Patagonia in 2019. To date, MM4MM has raised over $2 million for myeloma research and included 34 myeloma patients on seven climbs. Funds raised go directly to research, supporting the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s mission. For more information, visit https://www.themmrf.org/events/.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is the second-most-common blood cancer. An estimated 30,000 adults will be diagnosed this year, and 12,600 people are predicted to die from the disease.

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

The mission of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is to find a cure for multiple myeloma by relentlessly pursuing innovation that accelerates the development of next-generation treatments to extend patients’ lives. Founded in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by Kathy Giusti, a patient with multiple myeloma, and her twin sister, Karen Andrews, the MMRF is a world-recognized leader in cancer research. Together with its partners, the MMRF created the only end-to-end solution in precision medicine and the single largest genomic data set in all cancers. As a pioneer and leader at the helm of new research efforts, the MMRF continues to disrupt the industry. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $400 million and directs nearly 90% of the total funds to research and related programs. To learn more, visit http://www.themmrf.org.

About CURE Media Group

CURE Media Group is the leading multimedia resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, CUREtoday.com; innovative video programs, such as “CURE Connections®”; a series of widely attended live events; and CURE® magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers, as well as the dynamic website for oncology nurses, OncNursingNews.com, and its companion publication, Oncology Nursing News®. CURE Media Group is part of the Cranbury, New Jersey-based MJH Associates, Inc., family of businesses, which includes the acclaimed OncLive® platform of resources for the practicing oncologist. For more information, visit http://www.curetoday.com and http://www.mjhassoc.com.

About Celgene

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through next-generation solutions in protein homeostasis, immuno-oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro-inflammation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow Celgene on Social Media: @Celgene, LinkedIn and Facebook

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