The Leading Boldly Fundraising Campaign Makes Tremendous Progress

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In 2018, the Rheumatology Research Foundation embarked on its third and most ambitious fundraising campaign, the Leading Boldly: Transforming Rheumatology campaign, with a goal of raising $75 million over five years. The campaign supports 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.

“The progress of the Leading Boldly campaign demonstrates the commitment rheumatology professionals have to impacting patient care through research and training,” says Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAE, the Foundation’s executive director. “By working together to support the future of this field, we are well on our way to achieving a monumental milestone that will serve generations to come.”

Thanks to support from more than 3,100 individual donors, the Foundation is leading the way in tackling rheumatology’s challenges and working toward discoveries that could impact the lives of millions of people living with rheumatic disease. As of July 31, the campaign had raised over $64.3 million, putting it at 86% of its goal.

The Foundation applauds every donor who has played a role in the campaign’s success. A great deal of gratitude is owed to the members of the Corporate Roundtable. Their participation and generosity are a direct investment in the Foundation’s mission. Members of the Corporate Roundtable include AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Mallinckrodt, Regeneron and Sanofi.

“Advancing science that will have a remarkable impact on the lives of people with rheumatic diseases is what drives all of us at AbbVie,” says Jim Salanty, vice president, U.S. Rheumatology, AbbVie. “The Leading Boldly campaign’s focus on innovative research and training efforts for healthcare professionals are more important than ever, especially in light of the challenges the community is facing right now. We are honored to partner with the Rheumatology Research Foundation.”

Amgen is also an integral supporter of the Foundation’s awards and grants program. “We are very proud to be supporting the Rheumatology Research Foundation in their strong efforts to advance innovative research and develop future rheumatologists to improve the care of patients with rheumatic diseases,” says James Chung, MD, PhD, Amgen’s executive medical director and head of inflammation/neuroscience in the global medical organization.

Members of the Pinnacle Society, Cornerstone Society, Founders Circle and Champion Circle are also acknowledged for their extraordinary dedication to the specialty. Their commitment will result in significant advancements for rheumatology research and education initiatives.

By convening partners in academia, medicine, industry and philanthropy, the Foundation leads the way in tackling rheumatology’s challenges and working toward discoveries that could affect the lives of millions of patients. Together, we have the opportunity to make great strides in our shared mission, but the need is ongoing. Join us in this transformational initiative to shift the landscape of rheumatology.