Tuesday, December 20

In 2016, we launched Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma, a partnership between Takeda Oncology, CURE Magazine and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The idea was simple: to create teams that represent a microcosm of the myeloma community – patients, caregivers, myeloma doctors and nurses, and others who have lost a loved one to myeloma – and take on epic treks to raise funds and awareness for multiple myeloma research

In just one year, we have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, the Grand Canyon and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, raising close to $500,000. We have produced three videos sharing these incredibly inspirational stories. We have told the personal stories of our 45 team members on blogs, and created much media attention via TV, magazines, newspapers and social media. And, we have created three amazing and incredibly powerful experiences for the participants as well as for the thousands who have followed our journeys.

We’ve seen 11 patients take on physical challenges that they could only have dreamed of at diagnosis. We’ve seen doctors, nurses and clinicians walk side by side with patients, reminding them, step-by-step, how significant their work is in the lives of patients and their families. We’ve seen loved ones give it their all to honor a loved one who is battling myeloma - or to remember one who has lost their fight. We’ve seen 3 different Takeda employees join each of our climbs, and benefit from experiencing first hand a view of how their work impacts so many. We’ve had the opportunity to have the Director of Patient Education at CURE Magazine, largest cancer patient publication in the United State join the three 2016 climbs, all the while chronicling these amazing stories of determination, courage and commitment.

And now, we are ready to do more. We are ready to bring on new teams to reprise a couple of our 2016 trips, and then we will reach new parts of the world and to take on new challenges. All of this is a metaphor for the global reach of our impact.

In 2017, we will see another team of MM4MM climbers, including six myeloma patients tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro’s 19,341 feet once again. In May, a group of 12 will take on the depths and heights of the majestic Grand Canyon. In July, 18 MM4MM hikers will climb Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, a bucket list challenge for certain, and a nod to our partner, Japan-based Takeda. We are also selecting our team now for an incredibly epic and exciting adventure: a hike through the Himalayan peaks to Everest Base Camp and just beyond to Kala Pathhar, where our team members will get a glimpse of mighty Mt. Everest.

Climbing mountains and canyons will not cure cancer. But research will. And research takes money. An outstanding 90 percent of all funds raised through Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma go directly to myeloma research. We can’t cure cancer, but we can climb mountains!

We must be bold. We must get outside of our comfort zone. We must do that which others only dream of. We must ask our circle of support to help us in this important work. We are part of something extraordinary. We hope you will join us in 2017 and beyond.

Our teams are forming now. To learn more and sign up to be considered for one of our teams, visit: http://donate.themmrf.org/2017MM4MM