Matt's 10 x 10 "Virtual 10k" for Multiple Myeloma Research 2021

Welcome to Matt's 10 x 10 Virtual 10k raising funds for the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR).  You may be asking "what's a Virtual 10k, who is IMBCR, and what's with the 10 x 10?"  This "Virtual 10k" is a digital event that invites participants to join #TeamGoldman in a 2-month race to a fundraising finish line!  You could say it's a race with no actual running and sweating.  All funds raised go directly to IMBCR, a non-profit research center that happens to be headed by Matt's Multiple Myeloma specialist, Dr. James Berenson.  The IMBCR is dedicated to advancing the treatment of Myeloma by connecting possibility to personalized and optimized patient care through scientific innovation.  If you've talked to Matt in the last 10 years you've likely heard him mention Dr. Berenson, the oncologist responsible for the direction of Matt's cancer treatment.  That brings us to the 10 x 10 part:  Matt was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, on May 2, 2011.  On May 11 of this year, Matt will reach his 10 year "cancerversary!"  Ten years since receiving a diagnosis that came with a five-year average mortality rate.  Matt has beat the odds, an achievement that wouldn't have been attained without the work of IMBCR and Dr. Berenson.  Of course there has been a significant team of doctors, nurses and medical staff that have contributed greatly to Matt's treatment and progress, (not to mention friends & family) all of whom deserve endless gratitude.  But for this momentous occasion, Matt has set his sight on raising $10,000 to donate to the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research, the organization that has played a critical role in Matt's survival.  

So there you have it - 10 years of survival, a 10 thousand dollar goal for Myeloma research, and a 10k you can do from your couch. 

To provide a bit more inspiration about participating - whether you create a personal 10k challenge or choose to exercise your fingers by donating on your laptop - here are some ideas to help get you started.  Anytime between now and May 2nd (the 10-yr mark) you can join in by running, walking your dog, pacing your living room, jump-roping, driving, baking or any activity you choose.  Force your kids or pets to join you for everyone's entertainment.  You might want to come up with your own goal and attach a donation amount to it.  Your activity can be a one-off or span several days.  For instance you can use "10 x 10" as inspiration and do 10 push-ups for 10 days. The only limit is your imagination.  To add to the fun, enter your "10k completion time" and post photos of your activities, events or projects.  Hopefully you have fun and get something beneficial out of it.  Whatever you decide, your donation will definitely benefit patients living with Multiple Myeloma and those yet to be diagnosed.  Remember, all of the donations go directly to research that increases life expectancy and improves quality of life by developing essential treatment options.  Click on the "Sign Up" button to get started. 

If you want to donate but don't want to fuss with virtual 10k stuff (and who could blame you) you can go directly to the donation page by clicking on the "Donate" button.  No sign-up is necessary.  Simply enter your donation amount and get on with your life.  The only downside is you won't be able to post photos and such without signing-up.  Matt would love to see your face in a pic, but it's definitely not necessary and your contribution is just as important without bells & whistles attached.  Your donation to IMBCR's Myeloma research is greatly appreciated and helps #TeamGoldman reach the ultimate "$10k" goal!

To sum things up, here are your options should you decide to join #TeamGoldman in supporting the vital research carried out daily by the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research:  

From the main page, click on the "Sign Up" button to register for the "virtual 10k" and get started on an activity, event, idea, or project of your choice inspired by Matt's 10x10 theme.  From there on, you can make a donation, enter your completion time, and post photos.  Your participation makes the 10k a real event!

OR

Click on the "Donate" button to simply make a donation and help #TeamGoldman meet the fundraising goal to support IMBCR!  Donations = research = treatment.

A giant thank you and virtual hug goes out to everyone joining in this effort!  Matt's optimism, strength and perseverance have helped him live 10 years with blood cancer, but surviving and managing Multiple Myeloma is actually a team effort.  Continuous research is needed and the ultimate goal is finding a cure for this disease.  Your donations help us move closer to that goal.  Thank you sincerely for donating toward treatment that helps Matt and other blood cancer survivors maintain a good quality of life.  ♥