The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) honored music industry icon Stevie Wonder with the MMRF Spirit of Hope Award at the 15th annual MMRF Fall Gala, at the Hyatt Regency, Greenwich Connecticut. The Spirit of Hope Award is presented annually to individuals who inspire hope with their perseverance in overcoming personal obstacles. Michael McDonald, Darius Rucker and Javier Colon performed a tribute concert celebrating Stevie Wonder.

Dennis Gillings, CBE, Chairman and Chief executive of Quintiles, was honored with the MMRF Corporate Leadership Award. Deborah Norville, member of MMRF’s Honorary Board of Directors, was the MC. The $2.1 million raised support the development of next-generation treatments for multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.

Kathy Giusti, CEO - One of Time Magazine’s 2011 most influential people in the world, founded the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) in 1998 with her twin sister Karen Andrews soon after Kathy's diagnosis with multiple myeloma. Today, 165 million research dollars, four new approved drugs and 13 years later, Kathy is in remission but still pressing scientists and the FDA to work together efficiently. www.themmrf.org.