T E A M
F O R
Tribeca Studios captured it all as part
of a documentary highlighting Eric and
the MMRF’s innovative research efforts
titled, “200 Miles Towards a Cure.”
Eric’s journey with the MMRF began
nine years ago when he decided to
run his first marathon to raise research
dollars in honor of his close friend of
20 years, Anita, who lost her life to
myeloma. Inspired by the MMRF’s
progress in advancing treatments, he
ACCEL E RATO R • W I N T E R 2016
C
journey for a documentary, highlighting
the inspirational moments that took
place. To watch the video and learn
more, visit themmrf.org/mm4mm.
I
RONMAN® LAKE PLACID
AND 70.3 LAKE PLACID
The Moving Mountains for Multiple
Myeloma program, which encompasses
both national and international
hiking endeavors, saw a team of 21
complete the Inca Trail to Machu
Picchu in August 2016. This team,
which included four multiple myeloma
patients; nurses; a multiple myeloma–
focused physician; and representatives
from the MMRF, Cure magazine, and
Takeda Oncology, hiked for nearly
10 hours to raise awareness and
research dollars for the MMRF.
The MMRF has been the
exclusive charity partner of IRONMAN
Lake Placid since 2014. This year,
IRONMAN announced a 70.3-mile (half
IRONMAN distance) race to be held
in Lake Placid on September 10,
2017. The success in fundraising at Lake Placid
positioned the MMRF
to be the exclusive
charity partner for
IRONMAN 70.3
Lake Placid and
to expand the
program at this
historic location.
The Inca Trail in Peru features steep
ascents and descents on narrow
pathways, beginning along the Urubamba
River. The team entered Machu Picchu
through the Sun Gate, where only a
mere 1% of visitors are permitted access.
This momentous journey
drew national attention
and surpassed the fundraising goal of $155,000.
The team was followed by
a film crew to capture the
IRONMAN has been
established there for
almost 20 years, leading to a
flawless event for athletes. The 70.3mile race elevates the MMRF endurance
program to a new level of competition
for our triathletes. Over 100 athletes
will train and raise funds for myeloma
research as they cross this famous
finish line next September. To join the
MMRF Team for Cures at this inaugural
race, visit themmrf.org/IMLP703.
ONQUER THE CANYON INCA
TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU
23
E V E N T S
September 16-18 was particularly special
within Blood Cancer Awareness Month
2016. Ultramarathoner and multiple
myeloma advocate Eric Gelber made
history by completing a record 200 miles
around New York City’s Central Park,
raising awareness and research dollars
for the MMRF. Eric’s “Journey Towards
a Cure” drew support from hundreds
of donors, runners, and advocates who
flocked to Central Park — and to the
MMRF’s donation page — to help him
cross the finish line, raising $300,000
in just two days and exceeding his
overall fund-raising goal of $1 million.
began taking on longer distances and
tougher fund-raising challenges. Eric,
who has completed six marathons
and over 20 ultramarathons, believes
supporting MMRF research is the fastest
way to achieve a cure for myeloma
and to advance Anita’s legacy.
Eric Gelber:
The Journey Towards a Cure
E N D U R A N C E
RIC GELBER – THE JOURNEY
TOWARDS A CURE
C U R E S :
E
going the
distance