Dear Friends of LRF,

What distinguishes the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) from other groups is our depth and commitment to finding cures for lymphoma. We give our scientists the freedom and security to develop new approaches to understanding, diagnosing, treating, and surviving lymphoma. They are pioneers exploring the frontier of the field, working toward breakthroughs that bring us closer to our mission to eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease.

We profile one of these pioneers in this issue of Pulse: world-renowned cancer immunologist and lymphoma expert Eduardo Sotomayor, MD of Tampa General Hospital. Dr. Sotomayor, a member of the Foundation’s prestigious Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), has led the way in furthering our understanding of harnessing the immune system to fight cancer and developing novel targeted therapies for the treatment of lymphoma. He also expanded our understanding of rare lymphoma subtypes like mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), by advancing research intended to improve patient outcomes. It is no surprise then that Dr. Sotomayor was recently elected Chair of the Foundation’s Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium, which convenes thought leaders from around the world to collaborate and share research findings with the goal of accelerating the field and scientific breakthroughs.

In this issue, you will also read an inspiring story about Shelia, a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma survivor who credits where she is today to the encouragement she received from the lymphoma community and research advancements focused on her rare lymphoma. Support and research can have a profound impact on one’s healing, and we are proud to have played a part in her journey.

You will also read about the Foundation’s impact in this issue’s updates from the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition, the world’s premier event in malignant hematology. Lymphoma Research Foundation grantees and SAB members presented pivotal data that will inform the development and adoption of new therapies across the spectrum of lymphoma subtypes. Many of these studies will be highlighted during LRF patient education programs throughout 2022.

I wish to thank you for the important role that you play in this critical work. Your support, coupled with the expertise of our SAB and the dedication of our research grantees, make such scientific discoveries possible. Together, we are on a path to find cures and eradicate this disease forever.

Sincerely,
Meghan Gutierrez
Chief Executive Officer