WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 10, 2025 — Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, announced a $1 million gift from the Paula & Rodger Riney Foundation to advance an innovative clinical trial for multiple myeloma patients.
The funding will fully support Blood Cancer United’s Academic Clinical Trial (ACT) grant led by Alfred Garfall, M.D., at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, testing a new approach to bispecific antibody therapy for multiple myeloma. Instead of continuous treatment, this trial explores pausing therapy once patients respond well, potentially reducing side effects, lowering costs, and improving quality of life.
“Paula and I are deeply committed to advancing multiple myeloma research,” said Rodger Riney, co-founder of the Paula & Rodger Riney Foundation. “We believe this trial has the potential to change lives by making treatment more effective and sustainable for patients and families.”
The Riney Foundation has become a recognized leader in cancer philanthropy, established in 2017 after Rodger Riney’s own diagnosis with multiple myeloma. Guided by the Rineys’ vision, the Foundation focuses on advancing transformative scientific research, accelerating discovery through collaboration, and improving treatment options for cancer patients. To date, it has awarded more than $200 million in grants, with a particular emphasis on innovative myeloma research.
“We are honored to partner with the Paula & Rodger Riney Foundation—true leaders in advancing myeloma research—at this pivotal moment,” said E. Anders Kolb, M.D., President and CEO of Blood Cancer United. “Their investment reflects the spirit of Blood Cancer United: rallying together to drive breakthroughs that give every patient the chance for a longer, fuller life.”
This partnership is significant as Blood Cancer United embarks on its new name and brand identity, chosen to welcome every person affected by the more than 100 types of blood cancers. Historically, the organization’s prior name, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, unintentionally left out many in the community, including myeloma patients. The new identity ensures that all people impacted by blood cancer feel seen, supported, and united.
For more information about Blood Cancer United and its work to advance research and support patients, visit bloodcancerunited.org.
About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives.
Since the organization’s founding in 1949, it has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancers—including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Blood Cancer United offers free, trustworthy resources, personalized support, and community for anyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $2 billion in clinical research, which continues to increase survival rates. Blood Cancer United advocates nationally and locally for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients.
For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org. Patients can contact blood cancer information specialists at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.