Press Release: Silent Killer: HTLV 2026 Conference Launches Global Campaign to Fight HIV’s “Cousin” Virus Infecting Millions

CFRC (Cure for a Rare Cancer) is a fundraising campaign to raise awareness about a rare form of blood cancer caused by the tumor virus, namely human T-cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1).

Major themes are to:

disseminate knowledge,
spread awareness,
engage patients, communities, and
support research

for an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ATLL (Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma).

While HIV makes global headlines, its lesser-known “lost cousin” virus HTLV-1 silently affects up to 20 million people worldwide, causing aggressive blood cancers with survival rates as low as 6 months.

HTLV-1 is an ancient virus that can be found in 1,500-year-old Andean mummies and was the first human retrovirus discovered in 1980 and is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, sexual contact, and breastfeeding.

“Every day we lose patients to HTLV-related cancers simply because we lack adequate research funding and treatment options,” says Dr. Pooja Jain, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine. “This virus can be transmitted through breast milk to infants, yet most mothers have never heard of it. We need to change that.”

HTLV-1 can cause adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer, with a median survival of just 6-24 months. It also triggers devastating neurological conditions similar to multiple sclerosis, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP).

“HTLV affects millions of people globally, yet remains largely unknown to the public and underrepresented in medical and research arenas,” adds Dr. Jain, who serves as Secretary of the International Retrovirology Association (IRVA) and the Chair of the 22nd International Conference on Human Retrovirology (HTLV2026.org) to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in 2026 from June 3-6 2026. “By bringing together patients, caregivers, and researchers from around the world—particularly those from regions where HTLV is endemic—we can foster collaboration, share critical knowledge, and accelerate progress toward prevention and treatment options.”

The campaign aims to:

Support participation of researchers from underserved regions and others who cannot otherwise participate due to financial constraints at HTLV2026, the first major U.S. conference on the virus in 23 years.
Disseminate knowledge and spread awareness while advocating for funding essential research.

World HTLV Day is recognized annually on November 10th, providing an opportunity to spotlight the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the virus.

To Learn more about this virus, please visit the campaign page https://www.DonateCFRC.org

Your support helps fund critical research, empower global participation in HTLV2026, and build a future where rare does not mean forgotten.

With deep gratitude,
Team @ Donate CFRC (Reach us at info@donatecfrc.org)

Campaign Managed By: CMBZ Consulting International by Carmen NZAMBA and MyImaginity, Blue Bell, PA, USA

(Donate CFRC is a fundraising initiative supported by a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Center for Research & Collaboration.)

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Learn More About HTLV with these trusted resources:

•The Philadelphia Inquirer's in-depth article on HTLV provides crucial public awareness about this under-recognized virus, highlighting its impact on global health and the need for increased prevention efforts.

•The International Retrovirology Association (IRVA) fosters critical research and global collaborations on HTLV infections and associated diseases through scientific platforms that drive knowledge dissemination and discovery.

•The upcoming HTLV2026 Conference in Philadelphia brings together international experts from June 3-6, 2026, to address critical advances in HTLV research, focusing on its cancer-causing potential and neuroinflammatory complications.

•The landmark WHO Open Letter on HTLV-1 called for urgent global action against one of the most potent human carcinogens, signed by over 50 experts proposing five strategic interventions to reduce HTLV-1 transmission worldwide.

•The Pan American Health Organization coordinates regional health initiatives across the Americas, including surveillance and prevention strategies for HTLV and other infectious diseases affecting the region.

•Dr. Jain's Research Laboratory at Drexel University leads groundbreaking investigations into HTLV pathogenesis, developing innovative approaches to combat HTLV-associated diseases through collaborative science.

Donors / Supporters raising $100 and above would be eligible for a Donor Certificate.

Learn more about the impact you can make, and the Donor Recognition, Certificate Titles:


Donation Level	Certificate Title	Donor Recognition	Impact
$25	-	- Thank-you email with campaign impact update	Supports distribution of scientific findings in consumable formats for patients and caregivers in LMICs.
$50	-	- All of the above	Sponsors educational materials to raise awareness about HTLV-associated diseases, especially underserved regions.
		- Name listed on campaign page
$100	Awareness Ally	- All of the above	Covers portion of monthly spend on outreach to engage healthcare professionals, researchers,patients, communities and new donors.
		- Personalized certificate of appreciation
$250	Community Catalyst	- All of the above	Sponsors portion of registration or virtual access of an attendee from LMIC to HTLV2026.
		- Recognition in CRC newsletter
$500	Research Advocate	- All of the above	Funds registration of a researcher, scientist for the International Conference HTLV2026.
		- Donor spotlight in Social media
$1,000	Global Access Enabler	- All of the above	Sponsors travel for one LMIC-based researcher to participate in HTLV2026 and share their work globally.
		Recognition in HTLV2026 conference materials
$3,500	Equity Champion	- All of the above	Sponsors registration, travel, accomodation and all expenses for one LMIC-based researcher to participate in HTLV2026.
		- Dedicated spotlight in CRC’s donor impact report
$5,000 and	Discovery Traiblazer	- All of the above	Helps advance critical research and innovation to combat lesser-known retroviruses that affect millions worldwide and can lead to devastating diseases.
Above		Featured donor profile + VIP acknowledgment at HTLV2026

CFRC: Cure For Rare Cancer By CMBZ Consulting

By Center for Research & Collaboration

CFRC: Cure For Rare Cancer By CMBZ Consulting

Scientist Spearheads $100,000 Fundraising Initiative to Raise Awareness and Combat HTLV-1, a Lesser-Known Retrovirus Causing Deadly Cancers with No Current Cure or Vaccine.

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