Founded in 1975, the T. J. Martell Foundation is the music industry's largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation supports creative early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients, which otherwise might not be funded. The Foundation began with a promise music industry executive Tony Martell made to his son, T.J. who was diagnosed with leukemia in 1973. T.J. asked his father to raise a million dollars so no one else would have to experience suffering as he did, his father agreed. Two years later, T.J. died and Tony honored his promise to his beloved son. A fundraising event in T.J.'s memory raised $50,000 towards that promise. With the help of friends in the music industry, Tony Martell founded the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS research in 1975. Since then, the Foundation has raised over $250 million. In 2012 the Foundation will fund research projects at 11 institutions around the country including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.