MMRF LEADERSHIP NEWS
T
he Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is saddened at the loss of MMRF Board Members
William K. Bowes and Gene Grisanti, who both made invaluable contributions to the foundation as
devoted champions of innovative research models to accelerate cures for cancer.
IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM K. BOWES
I
n 2010, Bill’s leadership gift enabled the launch of the
MMRF CoMMpass Study, the cornerstone of the MMRF
Precision Medicine Initiative. Thanks to his vision and
compassion, extraordinary advances have been made to
accelerate precision medicine approaches for the benefit of
countless cancer patients.
Throughout his career, two of Bill’s great loves have been
projects involving education and medical research—
interests that have extended far beyond his day job. He
was on the executive committee of the San Francisco
Conservatory of Music and was a former Board Chairman
of The Exploratorium, San Francisco’s exemplary interactive
museum of the sciences. He also served on the Board of
the Asian Art Museum, Grace Cathedral, and the Hoover
Institution. And in 1991, he established the William
K. Bowes, Jr. Foundation, which supports nonprofit
organizations focused on medical research, access to
college, the arts, and higher education.
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GENE GRISANTI
G
ene was a thoughtful, dedicated board member, a
warm-hearted, compassionate leader, and a true
gentleman. Thanks to his vision, extraordinary
advances continue to be made to speed treatments and to
extend the lives of countless cancer patients like himself.
He began his career with the law firm Fulton, Walter & Halley
and became the general counsel for a firm he incorporated,
International Flavors and Fragrances. Gene worked there for
38 years, rising to CEO and Chairman of the Board, before
retiring in 1999.
Gene had a deep respect for the sciences. He not only served
on the boards of The Rockefeller University, The Ambrose
Monell Foundation, and The G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
but also took every opportunity to study the groundbreaking
work done by these doctors, scientists, and researchers. In
the last few years, nothing was more important to him than
his service on the board of the MMRF.
T H E M M R F.ORG