Joy Anderson is an MPN Hero for her unwavering commitment to supporting patients and families of people affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). She is a liaison for the MPN Research Foundation where she leads the Florida Central region support group. Joy also unites the greater MPN community through her organization of online groups, including a private Facebook group, MPNs R Us, and as the author of her personal "I have an MPN" blog.

Mrs. Anderson has been living with essential thrombocythemia (ET) for 24 years and is a champion of community support to fellow MPN patients on their journey. For the past three years, Joy has served as an Imerman Angel, providing one-on-one support to those affected by MPNs. Her initiatives provide opportunities for people affected by MPNs to connect with others who may share a similar experience. Over the years, Joy has empowered many people living with MPNs by connecting one-on-one, in support groups, and in diverse online spaces.

Joy is always ready to offer a listening ear to fellow MPN patients on their journey. Her warmheartedness and gentle demeanor―combined with her empathy and respect for the individual journey of each person affected by an MPN―enables her to support others wherever they are on their MPN journey. She works to build connections in the MPN community on a local and global level to help all people affected by MPNs get the care and support they need.

John Crispino, PhD, MBA, is an MPN Hero for his extraordinary impact on the myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) community through mentorship, selfless service, and for the critical role he plays as an advisor to the MPN Research Foundation (MPNRF). Dr. Crispino is an MPN Research Scientist and advisor for the Department of Hematology and Comprehensive Cancer Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dr. Crispino formally joined the MPNRF as a scientific advisor in 2009 and remains a cornerstone of the Foundation’s scientific advisory efforts to this day. His counsel was essential in aiding the MPNRF to grow from a small grant-giving organization to a stronger voice in the MPN scientific community. Dr. Crispino helps to design an annual MPN roundtable, which has become an important forum for MPN academic scientists, industry scientists, and patients. He helps to develop scientific programs and participates in the scientific peer-review process for MPNRF’s annual grantmaking. Dr. Crispino attends MPNRF meetings to ensure the clearest interpretation of scientific discoveries and events. He also authors reports for major MPN/hematology meetings to provide clear, understandable information for the Foundation’s patient constituency.

Beyond the MPNRF, Dr. Crispino leads his own productive lab, collaborating with other MPN scientific leaders, and participating in the MPN Research Consortium, a major research endeavor funded by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Crispino’s research has helped pave the way for new therapeutic strategies, giving hope to thousands of patients with MPNs. He exemplifies the heart of an MPN Hero: a leader, mentor, and visionary who has positively impacted the entire MPN community.

Mikaela Dougherty is an MPN Hero for her extraordinary compassion and dedication to raising awareness and improving the lives of people affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Mikaela is a true leader in the fight against MPNs and is an invaluable asset to The Derald H. Ruttenberg Treatment Center, part of The Tisch Cancer Institute at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Mikaela’s commitment to the MPN community is evident through her transformational clinical research and efforts to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to patient needs. Her dedication to addressing patient concerns and to helping people understand their condition and treatment options is a source of great comfort to patients and loved ones affected by MPNs.

As a Clinical Trial Manager, Mikaela is in a position to help advance treatment options and give hope to patients and families who benefit from breakthroughs in MPN research. She is “charting a new path for patients and for research…at the same time.” As a true MPN Hero, Mikaela is dedicated to educating others through her clinical research duties and goes to extraordinary lengths to help people affected by MPNs to find confidence, hope, and the answers they need.

Kathryn Johnson, DNP, is an MPN Hero for her unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of care to patients living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Her extraordinary compassion shines through as she has difficult conversations with patients. She goes above and beyond to connect patients with support groups and social workers, and she tirelessly advocates for them with insurance companies to secure the resources they need. Kathryn serves as a Clinical Program Manager for The Derald H. Ruttenberg Treatment Center, part of The Tisch Cancer Institute at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Kathryn works with patients undergoing experimental treatments, which is often a daunting time filled with uncertainty. Yet, she does everything in her power to help her patients feel that everything will be okay. Kathryn’s presence brings an immediate sense of calm and reassurance, helping patients to remember that they are receiving the best care possible.

She extends a profound feeling of comfort, not only to patients but also to their entire care team, ensuring everyone’s questions are answered and that the treatment plan feels right for them. Kathryn is well-deserving of her title of MPN Hero, as she continues to bring comfort to all of her patients affected by MPNs and their loved ones.

The MPN Research Foundation’s (MPNRF) Patient Impact Council (PIC) is a patient organization that is well-deserving of the title of MPN Hero. This inspiring group of patients and caregivers spans a diverse range of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) experiences, diagnoses, demographics, and geographic locations. Each council member brings their lived experience in MPNs, interest in medical research, community engagement, and unique insights forward, helping MPNRF advocate for the patient experience.

The PIC represents the true spirit of community-driven advocacy and empowerment. Its members help shape the research agenda of MPNRF and ensure that the patient perspective is at the forefront of every initiative. The council's contributions have been instrumental in driving patient-centric research. By actively participating in research discussions, advising on study protocols, and prioritizing projects that directly address patient needs, the PIC has ensured that research efforts align with the lived experiences of those affected by MPNs. This patient-driven approach has led to more relevant and impactful research outcomes, directly benefiting the MPN community. One of the council’s most significant contributions in 2024 was its active involvement in the peer-review process for the 2024 MPN Challenge, which is one of the signature funding mechanisms of MPNRF. By bringing the patient and caregiver perspective directly into the review of research proposals, the PIC has ensured that the funded projects are not only scientifically sound but also deeply relevant to the needs and concerns of the MPN community. The council’s work has not only enhanced the foundation's impact but has also transformed the MPN landscape, giving patients a voice and a platform to drive meaningful change in their own lives and in the lives of others.

Ned Weinshenker, PhD, is an MPN Hero for his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of people affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). He is uniquely qualified for this award as a patient, diagnosed with myelofibrosis (MF) in 2018, and as a patient advocate dedicated to improving treatment and raising awareness for the MPN community at large.

Ned has a PhD in organic chemistry and a career in pharmaceuticals and medical device development. As a researcher with incredible skills in explaining complex concepts in easily understandable terms, combined with his lived experience as a patient, Ned can facilitate improved communication with Healthcare Professionals and other patients with MPNs. Ned is a member of the MPN Research Foundation’s Patient Impact Council and helps to raise awareness of MPNs by sharing his experience via blog to help others in navigating the complicated course of the disease and the treatment options.

In addition to raising awareness of MPNs, Ned also helps to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Center and the MPN Research Foundation at their annual fundraising walk. Ned’s commitment to the MPN community is exemplified through his diligent communication and collaboration with support groups, Healthcare Professionals, and pharmaceutical companies. He is passionate about furthering the research of MPNs and is committed to his goal of helping himself and other patients to get better treatment.

Richard “Rick" Winneker, PhD, is an MPN Hero for dedicating 20+ years of his career to leading patient-centered research programs, with the last 10+ years having specifically focused on improving the lives of people affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Dr. Winneker dedicates his scientific training, industry research experience, and deep curiosity to overseeing research and discovery programs that will be the most meaningful to patients.

He has spent much of his time working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, establishing innovative and successful research funding programs. Now Dr. Winneker provides his incredible talents to the MPN Research Foundation, creating and managing programs, and training a team to be as impactful as he has been throughout his career. He goes above and beyond what is asked of him, tirelessly working toward better outcomes and quality of life for patients with MPNs.

Dr. Winneker remains focused on how best to communicate new information and ensure the research programs have a near-term patient impact, while maintaining unbiased integrity as new treatments become available. Dr. Winneker’s commitment to helping the MPN community is apparent through his efforts to unite patients, the research community, and pharmaceutical companies on an integrated mission to discover curative treatments.