Making an Impact: Spotlight on Patient Support at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation               

Each year, proceeds from events and other initiatives of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation are awarded to programs making a difference in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. In 2024 more than $300,000 was granted to eight programs, and awardees will be highlighted in this monthly email series throughout 2025.  

This year, we are pleased to support the Patient Navigation Center at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) with a $75,000 grant. These funds will ensure more multiple myeloma patients and their caregivers can connect one-on-one with patient navigators, who are all former oncology nurses, for guidance, information and support.

Myeloma is a rarer form of cancer. According to MMRF, just under 36,000 people are diagnosed with myeloma in the U.S. annually, which is less than 2% of all new cancer diagnoses in 2024. With a five-year survival rate of almost 57%, patient support programs that are specific to myeloma are especially important for this niche demographic.

MMRF’s Patient Navigation Center (PNC) serves 3,250 individuals each year with a goal to increase high-quality education, access and support for the entire myeloma community, resulting in better care and better outcomes for every patient regardless of where they are treated. Patients that utilize the MMRF’s PNC have reported more productive conversations with their healthcare teams about how to manage their care following conversations with MMRF’s patient navigators.

Thanks to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s support, MMRF is able to expand their PNC programming to facilitate in-person presentations at cancer clinics in New York City and Boston, in addition to providing training, continuing nursing education, and implementing new technology for case and data management. Watch for updates on the impact of their programming this summer.                  

Our Partners: Spotlight on the Green Bay Packers

For the last two decades, the Green Bay Packers have carried on the spirit of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi through the team’s partnership with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The Green Bay Packers are consistent sponsors of the foundation’s signature events, including Award of Excellence, Food & Wine and the Lombardi Golf Classic.  

The Packers were integral partners in creating the Lombardi Golf Classic, first called the Lombardi Memorial Classic in 1971, and over the years, many Packers legends have supported the annual event, including Packers Hall of Fame quarterback Lynn Dickey who plays in the tournament every year.

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr was considered the VLCF chairperson for the majority of the years he and his wife Cherry were involved, writing personalized letters of invitation to Packers players and other celebrities to support the event.  

Since 2017, the Green Bay Packers have partnered with Bellin Health and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for the Packers vs. Cancer campaign. Our foundation is named as the beneficiary of the annual campaign and utilizes these funds to support its mission to prevent cancer, care for those fighting it and find a cure.

Ticket Sales end TOMORROW for 2025 Award of Excellence

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is pleased to honor Mason and Molly Crosby at the 34th annual Award of Excellence celebration on Saturday, March 1 at the grand Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. 

Mason Crosby, who recently retired from the NFL, is the Packers’ all-time leading scorer and holds the NFL record for the most consecutive postseason field goals. He also won a Super Bowl with the Packers and holds the Packers’ franchise record for most field goals, including a dozen game-winning kicks.

His wife Molly Crosby is a dedicated mother of five and lung cancer survivor. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she proudly cheered for the Buffaloes. With a strong commitment to community and leadership, Molly and Mason have served as Co-Chairs for the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic.

New this year, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation will honor local leader Dr. David Margolis with the first-ever Champion for a Cure Award. This award honors local leaders who embody Coach Vince Lombardi's spirit of commitment and excellence in the fight against cancer. Dr. Margolis, or "Dr. Dave" as his patients call him, is Pediatrician-In-Chief at Children's Wisconsin and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Ticket sales for the 34th annual Award of Excellence close tomorrow, February 21st. Join us in honoring Mason and Molly Crosby and Dr. Dave on Saturday, March 1st.

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