Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF®) is the largest nonprofit in the world solely focused on accelerating a cure for each and every multiple myeloma patient. The Foundation drives the development and delivery of next-generation therapies, leverage data to identify optimal and more personalized treatment approaches and empower myeloma patients and the broader community with information and resources to extend their lives."
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation provides support for up to 4 HBCU Wellness Project Student Health Ambassadors. Currently, MMRF® students attend Fisk University and Middle Tennessee State University; however, in the future West Tennessee SHAs will be involved. To support this initiative, SHAs develop Multiple Myeloma (MM) projects in an effort to raise awareness and share information to those affected by the blood disease.
Goal: TN MMC HBCU Wellness Project Student Health Ambassadors (SHAs)will develop projects reflecting Multiple Myeloma, Amlydosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) educational information to increase awareness and knowledge.
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Designated SHAs will work with clinical providers and community-based organizations to disseminate content via Listening Sessions and Storytelling approaches.
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SHAs will collect qualitative and quantitative data from pre- and posttest surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes of college-age students and individuals age 35 and older.
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SHAs will disseminate outcomes via local town halls and national conferences.
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Final reports will be provided to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation annually.
We are happy to continue this partnership in alignment with MMRF® to ensure that the goals of awareness and outreach are amplified.
Program Impact
Student Health Ambassadors Catrice Grigsby and Sophia Thomas proudly represented the HBCU Wellness Project at the XULA Health Disparities Conference in New Orleans on March 8-11, 2025. They presented their research findings to a diverse audience of scholars, health professionals, and community leaders, sparking important discussions on health disparities and community-based solutions.
On April 10, 2025 Ms. Grigsby and Ms. Thomas showcased their research and insights at the TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Spring Symposium. The event provided another opportunity to highlight their work and engage with students, educators, and health professionals committed to improving health outcomes in Tennessee communities.
