National Mah Jongg League: A winning hand
Since 1937, the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) has been the arbiter of all things Mah Jongg in America. With over 350,000 members nationwide, the League is also a generous philanthropic organization, directing funds to advance public health, scientific research, and education.
When its current Directors, brothers Larry and David Unger, joined the Board twenty-five years ago, Damon Runyon had already been identified by Board Members as a worthy grant recipient. After learning more about the Foundation’s mission and impact, Larry and David felt even more strongly that it matched goals of the NMJL and increased their support accordingly.
“We are continually impressed by the young scientists that Damon Runyon identifies,” said Larry. “Their enthusiasm for their work gives us renewed hope for future cures, and sometimes offers patients invaluable extra time to live a quality life.”
The gift of extra time is personally meaningful to the Unger brothers, whose father developed lung cancer at a relatively early age. Undergoing chemotherapy prolonged his life by a few precious years, during which time he graduated from college and fulfilled his lifelong dream of teaching and mentoring learning-disabled youth.
Larry and David were also inspired by Marin Mazzie, a Tony Award-nominated Broadway actress and the keynote speaker at Damon Runyon’s Annual Breakfast in 2017.
“She spoke with deep gratitude about the gift of life she received through Damon Runyon research and subsequent new therapeutics. She passed away too soon, but made such an emotional impact on us that morning that her message will never be forgotten: the work at Damon Runyon is important, effective, and saves people’s lives.”
