The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation was established by an international group of physicians and researchers to provide an ongoing exchange of information relating to MDS.

Until the Foundation was set up, no formal working group had been devoted to MDS. Since its inception, we have conducted 11 international symposia in Austria, England, the United States, Spain, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Japan, Italy, Greece and Scotland. The 12th International Symposium will be held in Berlin, Germany on May 8-11, 2013.

A major Foundation effort is our international information network. This network provides patients with referrals to Centers of Excellence, contact names for available clinical trials, sharing of new research and treatment options between physicians, and extension of educational support to physicians, nurses, pharmacists and patients.

In response to the needs expressed by patients, families, and physicians, we have established patient advocacy groups, research funding, and physician education.

The MDS Foundation is a publicly supported organization, exempt from federal income tax under section 501(C)(3) of the IRS code.