Jeff Bushnell may have spent 30 years in the military, but today his service is to the MPN community. His connection to patients and families affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) stems from his own role as a caregiver. His wife, Summer, lives with myelofibrosis (MF).

Since Summer’s diagnosis, Jeff has made it his mission to learn everything he can about the disease. “I keep up-to-date and have a pretty strong knowledge of what’s going on in the MPN community because I’m interested in it—obviously because I want to see the best care for Summer.”

It is that same passion and drive for Summer’s well-being that led Jeff to become an MPN Network Manager at the Patient Empowerment Network (PEN). Together, he and Summer work diligently to write and record videos and other helpful resources to empower those along their own MPN journeys. Through various media, they have helped more than 140,000 patients and caregivers get vital information and tools for making informed care decisions.

Dr. Ronald Hoffman’s dedication to translational research is all about making a difference in the lives of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). With an extensive background in laboratory-based stem cell research as well as hands-on care of patients with hematological malignancies, Dr. Hoffman has a passion for scientific investigation that spans nearly 50 years.

His unique position at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center allows him to concentrate on the scientific and regulatory duties as a principal investigator, while collaborating on a daily basis with his peers.

For Dr. Hoffman, “All the basic science is geared toward improving the lives of patients with MPNs, and I hope in my lifetime that will make a big impact.”

Dr. Hoffman is a past editor of Experimental Hematology, was president of the International Society of Experimental Hematology, and was president of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), demonstrating his skill for coordinating the activities of highly qualified investigators who comprise the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium.

Dr. Nicole Kucine serves as an advocate for younger patients and their families within the small, pediatric myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) community. Her pediatric hematology-oncology practice at Weill Cornell Medicine serves as her home base where she is dedicated to helping parents navigate the unknowns with compassion and concern.

She focuses her clinical interests on complex pediatric medical issues, including MPNs. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine and Associate Pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. Kucine’s research and experience with children around the world brings reassurance that despite challenges, the goal for her patients is to “have the most normal life possible.” Although MPNs are rare in pediatric patients, she provides words of encouragement, “Your kid is going to grow up, and we’re going to help them do that.”

Amy Lane’s recognition as a 2021 MPN Hero has brought her full circle. Having a sibling diagnosed with blood cancer in the 1970s, she understands firsthand the emotional and financial challenges that accompany a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) diagnosis.

Amy joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in 2016 as an Information Specialist and has been dedicated to providing one-on-one assistance to patients and caregivers around the world ever since. Key to her work is her compassion, kindness, and calm, providing callers with a source of comfort and hope. “A lot of listening goes into what I do. Many patients are newly diagnosed, and they don’t even know where to start.”

Amy’s impact is reflected through the many thank you notes she has received for providing patients and caregivers up-to-date resources and information about MPNs.

Being an MPN Hero is nothing new for Dr. John Mascarenhas. He was nominated in 2013 as one of the first MPN Heroes, and his dedication and relentless work for patients with MPNs is recognized again this year.

Among patients and colleagues, Dr. Mascarenhas continues to be a standout among physicians. He exemplifies this through an optimistic and forward-thinking perspective. “My fulfillment has evolved over time. I’ve always enjoyed the direct patient contact, but I’ve also come to really get excited by the implications of the advances we’ve made, and the potential to help many more people than I will ever meet down the line.”

At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Mascarenhas devotes endless hours to creating breakthrough research that helps ensure each of his patients receives optimal care.

An exemplary clinical investigator and clinician, Dr. Mascarenhas is focused on helping improve possibilities for patients with MPNs, working hands-on to provide insights from ongoing MPN research.

In her role as a physician assistant at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Jessica Neely gives each of her patients living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) the care and respect they deserve. Though she works from 9 to 5, there’s no limit to the time she’s willing to give to her patients.

Jessica is often accessible round the clock to help patients overcome obstacles related to their MPNs. From information about their disease, to helping with financial resources, Jessica addresses each patient concern in a timely and thoughtful manner. Jessica is known for giving each patient the care that she would provide a friend or family member.

By listening closely and understanding a patient’s perspective, Jessica is able to thoughtfully address patient concerns. “I try to make them a little less frightened about what to expect and what they’re going through.”

A professor in the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies at the University of Utah, Dr. Prchal is dedicated to researching myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and caring for patients with MPNs.

As a physician scientist, Dr. Prchal goes as deep as possible into the science of MPNs. In his vast research, Dr. Prchal focuses on trying to understand the molecular basis of blood diseases to discover underlying mutations and how they function.

His work as a lead investigator in MPNs in the early 2000s led directly to the discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation by William Vainchenker and others in 2005. His ongoing interest and dedication are likely to continue to make a lasting imprint on the science of MPNs.

Dr. Prchal’s passion for research stems from his desire to break convention. “When you find something unusual, it opens domains to look at unusual things. I find it very exciting.”

When not conducting research, Dr. Prchal spends his time in clinical trials at the Huntsman Cancer Center treating patients with MPNs. He has been named a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator, and is a member of the Cell Response and Regulation Program, and the Imaging, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics Program.

Hematologist/oncologist Dr. Anita Rajasekhar is driven to give patients living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) the type of care that improves their lives. Although she is fascinated by the complexity of MPNs, her patients are her real motivation. “What inspires me to get up and do this on a day-to-day basis, it’s about the people. You want to make their lives better in any way you can.”

A busy clinician and clinical investigator at the Division of Hematology & Oncology at the University of Florida, Dr. Rajasekhar is also an Associate Professor who helps train the next generation of leaders in hematology/oncology. This year, she has the honor of being an Education Program Co-Chair for the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, helping to oversee programs and materials for non-malignant hematology.

It’s the patient care aspect of her work, however, that has led her to be recognized as an MPN Hero. Her patients appreciate her consistent, ongoing commitment, as she routinely demonstrates genuine care and concern for helping them manage their MPNs.