Multiple Myeloma Patients and Supporters Embark on Cross-Country Journey to Raise Awareness and Accelerate Cancer Research

HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 3, a team of cyclists personally impacted by multiple myeloma will depart Los Angeles, California on a 3,400-mile ride ending in Fairfield, Connecticut, to accelerate progress in multiple myeloma. This year an estimated 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.ⁱ Progress is being made through recent advancements in multiple myeloma research and treatment, but there is more to be done. Road to Victories is a new campaign from Janssen Oncology, Inc. and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), focused on multiple myeloma awareness, patient education and community support.

At www.RoadToVictories.com, visitors can watch inspiring stories from the cyclists, learn more about how to navigate living with multiple myeloma, and sign up for educational resources.

"At the MMRF, we see a world where every person has precisely what they need to prevent or defeat multiple myeloma, and where the entire community collaborates seamlessly with ever-increasing momentum towards a cure," said Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Giusti. "We are inspired by this team and grateful to Janssen Oncology for their support of the Road to Victories event."

The dedicated team of cyclists encompasses patients, loved ones, supporters, and MMRF and Janssen employees, who are raising awareness and funds for critical myeloma research. Together, the team is focused on making an impact far beyond the miles they are riding. Seven cyclists, including one person living with multiple myeloma, will ride coast-to-coast from California to Connecticut over seven weeks. Another group of 11 cyclists, including four multiple myeloma patients, will ride the first eight days of the journey – 546 miles through the Mojave Desert – to Flagstaff, Arizona. On October 21, for the grand finale of the cross-country journey, two rides are open for registration to the general public: a 62-mile and 25-mile ride ending in Fairfield, Connecticut. More information can be found at www.RoadToVictories.com.

"Every multiple myeloma patient, like every Road to Victories rider, will face a unique journey—from mapping out a plan to determining how to overcome obstacles along the way," says Andree Amelsberg, Vice President, Oncology Medical Affairs, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "At Janssen Oncology, we are working with urgency to bring cancer treatments to those who need them most. We are honored to work alongside the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and this inspiring team of cyclists to help achieve victories over cancer."   

The Road to Victories campaign provides multiple myeloma educational resources to support informed treatment decisions, including tips for working with one's healthcare team, encouraging positive thinking, and tracking treatment progress.

To learn more about the campaign and the cycling event, visit www.RoadToVictories.com and follow #RoadToVictories on social media.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs when malignant plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow.^ii,iii It is the second most common blood cancer in the United States. An estimated 30,000 adults will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the United States in 2017, and 12,500 people are predicted to die from the disease.^iv Historically, people living with multiple myeloma have had limited treatment options, but progress is being made through continued advancements in research. Over the last 10 years, treatment options have increased significantly leading to better survival rates.^v

About the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
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 the lives of patients. Founded in 1998 by Kathy Giusti, a multiple myeloma patient, and her twin sister Karen Andrews as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the MMRF is a world-recognized leader in cancer research. Together with its partners, the MMRF has created the only end-to-end solution in precision medicine and the single largest genomic dataset in all cancers. The MMRF continues to disrupt the industry today, as a pioneer and leader at the helm of new research efforts.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JanssenUS or https://twitter.com/JanssenGlobal.

ⁱ American Cancer Society. "What Are the Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma?" Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. August 2017.
ⁱⁱ Kumar, SK et al. Leukemia. 2012 Jan; 26(1):149-57.
ⁱⁱⁱ American Cancer Society. "Multiple Myeloma Overview." Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/detailedguide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma. May 2017.
^iv American Cancer Society. "What Are the Key Statistics About Multiple Myeloma?" Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html. August 2017.
^v Kumar SK, Dispenzieri A, Lacy MQ, et al. Continued improvement in survival in multiple myeloma: changes in early mortality and outcomes in older patients. Leukemia. 2014;28(5):1122-1128.doi:10.1038/leu.2013.313.

SOURCE Janssen Biotech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.roadtovictories.com