A "Small Contribution"

Charlie Purtell first learned about the MMRF when he met Kathy Giusti 10 years ago. He was working at a small biotech lab that was working on a drug that could be useful in treating multiple myeloma. Charlie was “deeply impressed” with Kathy’s impact on the biotech industry. Not only has her work led to improved care for life-threatening diseases, but her revolutionary business model serves as an example for other organizations. “I was so impressed, I thought about asking for a job,” he says. “Now I can make my own small contribution to her cause.”

Charlie has come a long way to get to the New York City Marathon. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a degenerative bone disease, and he was told he may never run or walk again. Nevertheless, after a year without walking followed by a year on crutches, Charlie’s joints began to heal. Despite many knee injuries in college and a 10 year break from running, Charlie is doing something doctors predicted he would never be able to do.