Investing in a Cure: Robb Early’s Planned Gift of Hope

When Robb Early felt two swollen areas in his groin during a wedding anniversary trip in September 2023, he never imagined the discovery would lead to a cancer diagnosis — let alone a new sense of purpose as a supporter and advocate for the lymphoma community.

Robb, a retired information technology executive living in Frisco, TX, with his wife, Kristin, their youngest son, Matthew, and their two beloved Westies, was very active, playing ice hockey and riding dirt bikes. Robb spent several months undergoing tests before finally receiving the news that “blew their minds”: He had mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The diagnosis arrived, fittingly and ironically, on April 1 — April Fool’s Day.

“There was nothing funny about it,” Robb says. “Kristin and I immediately went into research mode.”

Finding Trusted Information — and Relief

Like many newly diagnosed patients, Robb turned first to the internet, only to be met with outdated, alarming statistics that intensified his fear.

“Everything we found made it seem like this was an extremely rare disease with potentially limited life expectancy. So, we were pretty freaked out.”

It wasn’t until his local oncologist provided him with educational materials from the Lymphoma Research Foundation that he found some relief.

“My doctor gave me those materials and said, ‘Robb, this is one of the best resources you can use,’” Robb says. “And he was right. They helped me understand what we were dealing with and gave us trustworthy, current information. I still have them to this day.”

From then on, the Foundation’s website, webinars, and other resources became essential to Robb and Kristin as they navigated his diagnosis.

Soon after, Robb was referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he began an immunotherapy-based approach using Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors — targeted treatments that kill malignant B cells while sparing healthy T cells.

After eight months of treatment, he was declared in remission in February 2025 and is now in maintenance treatment. But even as he pushed through treatment, Robb says the Foundation remained a “constant source of comfort.”

A Deeply Personal Reason to Give

As Robb engaged more deeply with the Foundation’s programs, he became increasingly inspired by the Foundation’s mission.

“The Foundation gave me a sense of hope, control, and clarity that nobody else could,” he says.

Robb and Kristin have long believed in supporting charitable organizations with a strong focus and impact. After his diagnosis, they knew they wanted their giving to reflect the people and programs that guided them through
their cancer experience.

“From the moment I was diagnosed, the Foundation became one of the few places offering clear, current, trustworthy information,” Robb said. “Supporting the Foundation felt like our way of saying thank you — and helping the next person who finds themselves where I once was.”

Robb was also excited to support an organization that supports the research and science that is helping to advance cures.

“With my engineering background, I naturally gravitate toward understanding how things work,” said Robb. “The Lymphoma Research Foundation provides opportunities to hear directly from doctors and researchers who are advancing the field, and for the first time, I could see how far treatments have come and what the plans for the
future are. To be able to support that future is one of the many reasons we support the Foundation.”

Investing in the Future of Lymphoma Care and Research

What began as a single annual appeal gift soon grew into deeper involvement. Robb and Kristin became monthly supporters and joined the Foundation’s Circle of Hope, followed by Founders’ Society, which honors the generosity and vision of those whose cumulative contributions have reached $1,000 or more in one year.

“It is so meaningful to me to be able to give back and support the research and education and contribute to something that is larger than my individual journey,” said Robb.

Most recently, Robb and his wife made their biggest contribution of all in the form of an estate gift — also known as a planned gift — to the Foundation. Shortly after Robb was diagnosed, he and Kristin went through the process of putting together an estate plan. After being involved with the Foundation for a while, they decided to revisit their plans this past summer and chose to include the Lymphoma Research Foundation in them.

“It just felt natural,” he says. “We had only ever thought about family when planning our estate. But after everything the Foundation has given us — knowledge, reassurance, support — it became clear that the Foundation should also be part of our legacy.”

For Robb and Kristin, the planned gift is more than a gesture — it’s an investment in hope. Hope for continued advancements in treatment protocols and, ultimately, to find a cure.

Robb and Kristin are also planning to provide a grant to the Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program to support a Scholar conducting research specifically on MCL.

“What stood out to me about the Lymphoma Research Foundation is its focus,” Robb said. “They aren’t dabbling in every blood cancer. They are completely centered on lymphoma — and that focus makes all the difference. I want my gift to help keep it that way.”

Why He Hopes Others Will Give

Robb encourages others — patients, care partners, and even those without a personal lymphoma connection — to consider supporting the Foundation.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports people whose lives have been upended by lymphoma,” he says. “It’s a way to turn a very personal journey into something that helps countless others.”

Through remission, reflection, and renewed purpose, Robb remains grateful — for excellent medical care, for the support of his family, and for the lymphoma community that welcomed him with open arms.

“It’s been a challenging journey but one that’s made me a better person,” he says. “If my story or my gift can help someone else find hope a little faster, then that means everything to me.”