International Myeloma Foundation Scores When Boston Celtics Go Behind the Paint in 2nd Annual '3 Points for Patients' Partnership with Takeda

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the second straight season, every three-point basket made by players of the 17-time champion Boston Celtics will trigger a donation to the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), courtesy of Takeda and its "3 Points for Patients" campaign, which launches today, Nov. 10.

The campaign last year raised $25,000 for the IMF as the Celtics made 717 three-pointers over the regular season. Again this season all money raised will support IMF's highly regarded, globally collaborative myeloma research and patient education programs.

"We want to thank Takeda for supporting the work we do here at IMF, and for making us the exclusive beneficiary of this campaign," said IMF President Susie Novis. "Having gone to school in Boston, I'm always excited to watch the Celtics play, and I'll especially be rooting for their great three-point shooters, including Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder."

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, is the second most common blood cancer. In the US, approximately 27,000 new cases of myeloma are diagnosed annually.

"Alongside advocates like the IMF and the Boston Celtics, Takeda is committed to improving treatment options for patients with blood cancer. We recognize that there is a critical need for continued funding to research and develop new medicines and to educate the multiple myeloma community to help lessen the burden of the disease for both patients and their families," said Liz Lewis, Head, Patient Advocacy and Chief Counsel, Global Oncology, Takeda. "The 3 Points for Patients program directly supports that effort. Every three-point basket made and every dollar raised this season brings us one step closer to achieving our aspiration of curing cancer."

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the oldest and largest nonprofit foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation's reach extends to more than 450,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative®, a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org. Follow the IMF on Twitter @IMFmyeloma.

CONTACT:
Dan Boyle
[email protected]
(818) 209-1692

SOURCE International Myeloma Foundation

Related Links

http://www.myeloma.org