Lea Kaufman Advances Cancer Research by Including the MMRF in Her Estate Plan

In 2015 Lea Kaufman’s internist noticed a change in her annual labs and sent her to an oncologist who diagnosed her with MGUS, one of multiple myeloma’s early, precancerous conditions. Three and a half years later, her quarterly labs showed an M-spike—and she learned that she had progressed into active myeloma.

Thanks to a stem cell transplant and a rigorous treatment strategy, Lea was able to achieve remission—but she knows it is a constant battle. “I have to see my specialist monthly, and there’s always anxiety,” Lea says. “Has anything changed? Have I relapsed? Especially with difficult side effects, I’m always aware that I have this terrible cancer.”

A former art historian and researcher at the Getty Museum, Lea first learned about the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF) through her own research and from her support groups. She knows that understanding her disease is critical. “I need to know everything I can about multiple myeloma—every possible treatment and side effect. I depend on the MMRF to keep me updated and to advance the research that will lead to better medicines and, hopefully, a cure.”

Lea has always been philanthropic, but she recently chose to refocus her charitable priorities. “Multiple myeloma isn’t as well-known of a cancer, and because of that I don’t think it gets the attention or support it needs. If those who have it don’t support the research to advance a cure, who else will? I felt compelled to step up and take care of myself by making annual donations as well as including the MMRF in my estate plan. Finding a lasting cure for multiple myeloma is a cause that we all need to champion.”