Darryl Harris Honors His Mother Minnie with Estate Gift to Benefit the MMRF

Darryl Harris lost his mother, Minnie Harris, to multiple myeloma in 1969, a year after her diagnosis. When he decided to update his will in 2019, he considered numerous charities as potential beneficiaries—but he kept thinking of his mother and how her life had been cut short by multiple myeloma.

A lifelong Philadelphia resident, Minnie was known for her selflessness; she put others before herself and prided herself on being a strong mother for her children. Darryl fondly remembers her strength, her sweetness, her superb dancing skills, and the ease with which she made everyone laugh. “She is one of the women who walked on water,” he says.

Ultimately, Darryl decided to include the MMRF as one of his primary beneficiaries. He is proud of the progress the MMRF has made on behalf of patients everywhere. With 12 new FDA-approved treatments, multiple myeloma patients can expect to live three times longer.

“My mother should’ve lived a long time, and I would’ve been so happy if she lived another 20 years,” said Darryl. “If my gift can save one other mother, that would be enough. Supporting the MMRF, who is fighting to give these patients more time, is the best way I can honor her.”