Donor Spotlight: Steve Prince

Steven “Steve” J. Prince, former Chair of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Board of Directors and current Director Emeritus, grew up in a New York family that prioritized giving back – a tradition he has continued.

“Giving back came naturally to me, as it’s always been a priority for my family,” said Prince. “My grandfather did not have much money, but every year, he would receive annual appeals from several organizations, and he would donate to every one of them. My parents were very philanthropic as well, and it was just something that we were brought up with – that you give back when you can.”

A lifelong New Yorker, now living in Purchase, New York, with his wife of 47 years (Debbie), Steve led a successful New York commodities firm from which he retired as CEO in 2008. With three children and seven grandchildren, he has spent his retired life serving in several roles at various philanthropic organizations, including Let’s Get Ready, Gift of Life, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Personal Experience Driving Philanthropy

When it comes to lymphoma, however, Steve’s involvement is personal. In 2003, Steve was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and began treatment with Dr. Morton Coleman, a longtime member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board.

“I had a pretty aggressive case of CLL,” he explained. “It did not respond to the then best practices, so Dr. Coleman suggested an innovative treatment that he had successfully used with his multiple myeloma patients. That protocol was effective for about 10 years, which helped me bridge the gap until science could catch up with my treatment needs.”

Dr. Coleman introduced Steve to the Foundation, and by 2006, Steve was a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Over the last 20 years, Steve has served the Foundation in several roles, including Chair of the Audit Committee, Treasurer, Chair of the Board, and currently as a Director Member Emeritus.

Having undergone lymphoma treatment himself, Steve knows firsthand the importance of funding research to advance new treatment protocols and has worked tirelessly to help raise these critical funds over the years.

“Thanks to continued research, we have several new immunotherapies that Foundation research dollars have contributed to developing. I’m living proof of the Foundation’s impact, having benefited from treatments that the organization helped get developed and approved.”

When he first joined the Board, Steve got right to work setting up a direct funding program for CLL research, one that is still in place today. He also started and co-ran the Foundation’s Golf Invitational event for 11 years, which raised over two and a half million dollars to support the Foundation’s mission. Additionally, Steve has been integral in helping to initiate multiple named grants, including the Kanti R. Rai Clinical Scholar Award, the Errol M. Cook Memorial Scholar Award, and most recently, the Morton Coleman, MD, Innovation Fund. The money raised through this fund will support planned areas of scientific focus and allow future researchers to build upon the important work and achievements of experts like Dr. Coleman.

Awarded for His Achievements

In recognition of his 20 years of contributions to the Foundation, the Foundation is awarding him the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award at this year’s Annual Gala on September 25 at the Ziegfield Ballroom in New York City.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized with the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Distinguished Leadership Award,” said Prince. “To me, the most impactful leaders within the lymphoma community are the doctors and researchers who are searching for cures, so to be singled out amongst these world leaders is truly humbling.”

Steve remains proud to work with an organization that does so much to impact the lymphoma community. From advancing research to supporting patients, survivors, care partners, and their loved ones, Steve feels the Foundation has a unique way of bridging the gap between research and people.

“The Lymphoma Research Foundation is a reliable resource that helped me better understand my disease’s progression and the various treatment regimens available,” says Prince. “I am proud of the fact that we genuinely help patients, their families, and their care partners better understand their disease and the treatment options available.”

While Steve originally got involved with the Foundation to learn more about CLL, he is happy that he can now make an impact on others who are facing their own lymphoma journey.

“As my knowledge about CLL and other lymphomas developed, I’ve been able to educate other newly diagnosed patients and help them find the right path to treatment, which has been very rewarding,” said Prince. “The Foundation’s continued investments in research have yielded life-saving results – advancements that are likely to extend my life and the lives of others. Overall, I think my association with the Foundation has enabled me to live my life without being under an umbrella of fear and instead to adopt an outlook of optimism.”