An MPN Hero is a person or organization that goes to extraordinary lengths to make a difference in the lives of people impacted by the rare blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

An MPN Hero can be:

• A patient whose strength has inspired you
• A caregiver who has consistently offered you support and reassurance
• A Healthcare Professional who is an exceptionally committed partner in working with you to manage your MPN
• An organization or advocacy group dedicated to improving MPN care and support

The 2023 MPN Heroes Celebration Event, hosted by CURE Media Group, took place on December 8, 2023 in San Diego, California.

Incyte Corporation and CURE magazine have been proud sponsors of the MPN Heroes Recognition Program since it began in 2013.

The MPN Heroes Program recognizes dedication to individuals and the MPN community. Individuals or organizations are nominated in 1 of 2 categories. Recipients are selected by a judging panel's review of nominations for recognition. Members of the judging panel received honoraria for their service.

In Category A, up to four recognition plaques are given to chosen recipients, and in Category B, up to four monetary donations to non-profit organizations and societies are given in recognition of the four recipients recognized in this category.

lncyte makes monetary donations to select non-profit 501(c)(3), US-based organizations or societies that improve the lives of individuals with MPNs.

Criteria for nominations in either category are as follows:

• Choose only 1 category for the nominee to be considered
• Clearly state the MPN (MF, PV, or ET) patient need being addressed
• A completed nomination form must be submitted by September 14, 2023
• The achievements of the organization or individual must be recent (ie, should have taken place within the last 24 months)
• Organizations may submit an entry for their own program, but it must be for 1 specific activity or program and only 1 entry per year, and we strongly encourage independent confirmation
• Individuals can be recognized posthumously
• Institutions, organizations, or individuals can be nominated by themselves or by others, but they must be aware of the nomination, and the nomination must be approved by, and compliant with, any institutional rules and guidelines

Criteria: Category A: Commitment to the individual. Recognizing individuals who provide or demonstrate care, guidance, education, or support above and beyond the standard of care for one or more patients with MPNs.

Types of work honored include demonstration of individual dedication by a nurse, Healthcare Professional, or caregiver whose contributions to an individual with an MPN had an evident impact.

Criteria: Category B: Commitment to the broader MPN community. Recognizing leadership in developing services or programs addressing the needs of patients with MPNs, families, friends, caregivers, and medical professionals through advancing the science and medical understanding of MPNs, education, awareness, or approaches to care.

Types of work honored could include advocating for better care; outreach to underserved populations; activities at the grassroots level; promoting the patient's voice; providing MPN community leadership; creating awareness programs, innovative education materials, programs, or events; disease management initiatives; research and science-based programs; media outreach; or campaigns.

Exclusions:

• Employees or agents of lncyte, VOZ Advisors, or other lncyte vendors and members of their immediate family as well as current program year judging panel members are not eligible for recognition
• Nominated individuals, institutions, or organizations and the programs or activities nominated must originate and be executed in one or more of the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
• Nominated programs must be independent of purchase, use, and prescribing for any lncyte product
• The following are ineligible for recognition:
  1. Programs or activities that lncyte provided grants or other funding for directly
  2. Political lobbying activities
  3. Medical research or publications that have been funded or directed by lncyte
  4. Any nominee whose organization or institution does not allow recognition in the manner set forth in this program
• Nominated individuals or organizations must serve or be involved with the myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), or essential thrombocythemia (ET) communities
• Judging panel reserves the right to exclude nominations of individuals for any perceived conflict of interest
• Individuals or organizations may not be recognized 2 years in a row or for a length of time agreed upon by the judging panel.

Click here to view past Heroes

You can nominate your MPN Hero starting on Rare Disease Day, observed on the last day in February. The nomination period closes on MPN Awareness Day, the second Thursday of September.

During the nomination period, you can honor your MPN Hero on the Nominate Your Hero page of this website. View instructions, see program rules, and nominate your Hero here.