Rheumatology Research Foundation Launches $75M Fundraising Push

Sinart Creative / shutterstock.com

The Rheumatology Research Foundation has embarked on its third and most ambitious fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $75 million. The Leading Boldly: Transforming Rheumatology campaign will support Foundation programs to recruit the best and brightest into the field, train rheumatology health professionals at all career stages and support investigators conducting research that will lead us to more options for people with rheumatic disease.

In conjunction with the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Chicago last month, supporters of the Foundation were celebrated at the Donors of Merit recognition event. This annual event honors those who contributed to the Foundation throughout the year.

Foundation President Abby G. Abelson, MD, applauded leaders who have played an essential role in the Foundation’s success. Members of the Corporate Roundtable, Pinnacle Society, Cornerstone Society, Founders Circle and Champion Circle were among those acknowledged for their extraordinary dedication. “Their commitment to the specialty has resulted in significant advancements for rheumatology research and education initiatives.”

Planning for the Leading Boldly campaign started early last year as the Foundation identified campaign leaders already receiving philanthropic support from several Corporate Roundtable members. AbbVie, Amgen, and Pfizer are among the pharmaceutical industry leaders who have joined the dynamic partnership in support of Leading Boldly.

“AbbVie’s continued support of the Rheumatology Research Foundation represents our shared goal to make a remarkable impact on the lives of patients with rheumatic diseases,” said Jim Salanty, vice president, U.S. Rheumatology, AbbVie. “We are honored to be a partner of the Leading Boldly campaign support of innovative research and training opportunities to help revolutionize care in the field of rheumatology.”

Amgen Inc. is also an integral supporter of the Foundation’s awards and grants program. “As a long-time partner of the Rheumatology Research Foundation, we are thrilled to support the new campaign and continue to help drive advancements that positively affect patient outcomes,” says Helen Jordan, vice president and general manager, Inflammation and Nephrology, Amgen.

Through partnerships and collaborations with other healthcare leaders, the Foundation is working to transform rheumatology by advancing solutions that foster the continued development of new treatments and therapies, cultivating future generations of rheumatology professionals, and providing patients with access to the most innovative treatments.

For more information about Foundation programs supported by the Leading Boldly: Transforming Rheumatology campaign, visit www.rheumresearch.org.