Independent events
There are over 80 events that take place around the country hosted by amazing individuals
like Ryan and Jana, who are both patients. These events raised close to $1 million
for our critical research.
2015 Cancer Blows event
Cancer Blows
Memphis Miles for Myeloma
When world-class trumpeter Ryan
When Jana Stressel, who has multiple
Anthony was preparing for a stem cell
Ryan Anthony
their Memphis Miles for Myeloma
transplant to treat his newly diagnosed
multiple myeloma, his friend Doc
Severinsen called to ask if there was
anything he could do. “When I get
myeloma, and her husband Jay started
And they succeeded to the tune of
over $800,000!
4 Mile Run/1 Mile Walk five years ago,
they never dreamed it would be so much
more than a way to support the MMRF.
through this,” Ryan said, “I want to stand
When Ryan was diagnosed with multiple
Today it is a very special gathering and
on stage with you one more time.”
myeloma, he was considered high risk and
support system for all those touched by
unlikely to respond to treatment. Today,
multiple myeloma, and has raised nearly
he is in remission. He is being treated
$100,000. “People come from all over
with a medication that was funded and
now,” says Jana. “If you’re in Memphis
championed by the MMRF.
November 14, 2015, you won’t want
That was the inspiration for what
became a once-in-a-lifetime musical
event called Cancer Blows, which took
place on March 4, 2015, thanks to the
to miss it!” memphismilesformyeloma.
efforts of Ryan and his wife Niki. It
While Ryan knows that one day he will
featured Doc Severinsen, Lee Loughnane
need a new treatment, he is encouraged
from the band Chicago, Arturo Sandoval,
by the progress the MMRF is making:
former trumpet players from Canadian
“Look at all the options that the MMRF
Brass and other musical friends. Their
is bringing to the table. I know we can
goal was to raise both awareness and
do this. But I also know it’s not going to
money for cancer research, with a focus
happen without financial support.”
on blood cancers and multiple myeloma.
cancerblows.com
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racesonline.com
Jay and Jana Stressel
T HE MMRF.ORG