Mario with Hospital Patient

Cancer Research

Cancer is a formidable foe. The motivation of the Mario Lemieux Foundation has always been to find a cure by funding research.

On a Mission to Beat Cancer 

The Mario Lemieux Foundation was founded in 1993 by hockey legend Mario Lemieux. That year, Mario was enjoying the greatest season of his brilliant career when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. After winning his battle, Mario was compelled to help others who face cancer – Knowing that we can be More Courageous Together. Now 30 years cancer-free, Mario continues to devote much of his time to Foundation initiatives that focus on finding a cure for cancer.

Focused on Finding a Cure

To date, we have provided more than $37 million to cancer research and patient care initiatives in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. We have ongoing projects at the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers, the Mario Lemieux Lymphoma Center, and the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center through which cancer researchers strive to translate promising research results from the lab into clinical trials and innovative therapies that save lives.

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Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers

The Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers is a patient-focused center with comprehensive care for all types of blood cancers and disorders. 

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Mario Lemieux Lymphoma Center

The Mario Lemieux Lymphoma Center for Children and Young Adults focuses on a clinical care and research for rare and difficult-to-treat childhood lymphomas. 

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Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center

The Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers innovative immunotherapy research and personalized treatments.

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What is Lymphoma?

The Mario Lemieux Foundation came to be because of Mario’s own battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1992, but, what is lymphoma? Lymphoma occurs when abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) over-multiply and overwhelm the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Doctors diagnose about 75,000 people in the United States with lymphoma each year.

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Grants

The main objective of the Mario Lemieux Foundation is to fund promising medical research projects being conducted by talented scientists. We supports grants in Cancer and Neonatal Research. 

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Donation Requests

The Mario Lemieux Foundation honors a number of requests for signed memorabilia to support worthwhile causes. Due to the volume of requests we receive, we've established donation guidelines.

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