"We had ambitious plans but could not foresee the enormous impact that the MPN Research Foundation eventually has had, and we're grateful that NORD recognizes this." - Robert Rosen, Chairman and PV patient
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 07, 2014
The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) announced on April 1st that the MPN Research Foundation was to be presented with their Abbey S. Meyers Award, given annually to a NORD member organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in representing its members. Chairman and Founder Robert Rosen will accept this award on behalf of the Foundation at NORD's annual Portraits of Courage gala, to be held on May 8th in Washington, D.C.
Abbey S. Meyers was the President of NORD for the first 20 years of the organization. Her namesake award was established at the time of her retirement. NORD is an advocate both for individual patients as well as organizations that address rare disease. NORD offers networking opportunities for member organizations, patient assistance programs, is a leader in policy initiatives related to rare diseases, and shares information critical to the success of pursuing education and research goals for rare disease organizations across the United States.
The Foundation is honored by this award and is proud to accept this on behalf of the community of people living with Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera, and Myelofibrosis who find value in the mission of finding better treatment options and eventually a cure for MPNs. Today the Foundation is the driving force behind research innovations in the field of MPNs, filling a critical funding gap for new and established researchers and providing direction for research priorities - all of which is driven by people who have been affected by MPNs.
When Robert Rosen helped found the organization in 1999 (then called MPD Foundation) he knew that he wanted to fill the gap in research relating to the MPNs. He had ambitious plans for the organization, "but could not foresee the enormous impact that the MPN Research Foundation has had, and we're grateful to NORD for recognizing this accomplishment. Since inception, our research investments have touched on nearly every discovery of substance in the field of MPNs."
To further the goals of finding better treatments and a cure for MPNs, the Foundation is planning to fund $1 million in grants this year. In addition the Foundation is expanding into new innovations such as immunotherapy and genetic sequencing with the hope of moving people with PV, ET, and MF closer to the treatments they are waiting for.
Questions and inquiries about the MPN Research Foundation can be directed to Michelle Woehrle at mwoehrle(at)mpnresearchfoundation(dot)org or 312-683-7243.