The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's eighth annual Road to Victories endurance cycling program, beginning August 24, 2024, represents more than a physical challenge through California Wine Country—it serves as a critical funding mechanism that has transformed multiple myeloma treatment outcomes. Since 2017, this initiative has raised over $2 million through 160 participants, including 31 multiple myeloma patients, with funds directly accelerating research toward curing this blood cancer affecting plasma cells.
The financial impact of Road to Victories has been substantial, contributing to the MMRF's commitment of over $600 million to research that has resulted in 15+ FDA-approved therapies, tripling patient life expectancy. Michael Andreini, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MMRF, emphasized the program's importance, stating gratitude for dedicated cyclists whose determination helps defeat myeloma. The event's success is amplified by sponsor Johnson & Johnson, whose support enables critical research funding, awareness campaigns, and patient empowerment initiatives.
Beyond funding new treatments, Road to Victories has facilitated nearly 100 clinical trials and collected thousands of patient samples, creating diverse research resources. One landmark achievement supported by the program is CoMMpass, one of the largest genomic datasets for any cancer, providing researchers with invaluable insights into disease mechanisms. This data resource, accessible through the MMRF's research portal, accelerates understanding of multiple myeloma's complexity and drives development of targeted therapies.
The partnership between MMRF and Johnson & Johnson demonstrates how collaborative efforts advance medical breakthroughs. Tyrone Brewer, President of U.S. Hematology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, articulated the shared vision of transforming multiple myeloma from life-threatening to curable. This collaboration extends beyond financial support to include participation from Johnson & Johnson employees in the cycling event, creating a unified front against the disease.
As cyclists from across the United States prepare for the six-day journey through Napa Valley and Sonoma vineyards, their efforts symbolize collective action against multiple myeloma. The physical challenge undertaken by patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters generates both funding and awareness that directly impacts research timelines. Each participant's contribution, documented through the MMRF's official foundation website, helps maintain momentum toward eliminating this disease.
The Road to Victories program exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can substantially impact medical research landscapes. By channeling physical endurance into financial resources and research data, this annual event has created measurable progress in treatment availability and patient outcomes. The continued expansion of both participation and fundraising indicates growing public engagement with multiple myeloma research, suggesting accelerated progress toward the ultimate goal of making this blood cancer a curable condition rather than a life sentence.
