Community News
National Volunteer Organization funds critical cancer research
Jean Schleski, MA, counsels a patient.
AMC Cancer Research Center’s history includes a heritage of commitment and dedication from volunteers who have been avital part of building AMC as it is today. AMC Cancer Research Center is especially grateful to the National Volunteer Organization, and its nationwide network of volunteers.
Through AMC’s distinguished history, NVO fundraising efforts in their communities have provided support to AMC and through it, cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. AMC is a member of the UCCC consortium.
Recently, NVO contributions helped to support the AMC Cancer Information and Counseling Line, a nationwide toll-free telephone service (800-525-3777) that provides in-depth counseling to people diagnosed with cancer and to their loved ones. Thousands of people are assisted in their daily efforts to cope with cancer through this service.
In addition, 25 percent of all proceeds from NVO fundraising projects can be used to support cancer programs in each chapter’s community. Through this support, AMC builds a network of collaboration throughout the United States, emphasizing cancer prevention and control. Learn more: www.amc.org.
A Tribute to Paul A. Bunn Jr. raises $1 million toward endowed chair
Nearly 300 people gathered on May 13 to honor Paul A. Bunn, Jr., MD, who is stepping down this year after 20 years of leadership at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Bunn will continue his lung cancer work at UCCC after his successor is named.
The event was part tribute, part fundraiser, with a goal of raising $2 million for the Paul A. Bunn, Jr., Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. To date, more than $1 million has been raised. Phil and Nancy Anschutz and Hank and Nan Brown were the event’s honorary chairs. A committee of Bunn’s friends, colleagues and long-time supporters, led by Jim Basey and Mary Lee Beauregard planned the event.
Via taped message at the event, National Cancer Institute director John E. Niederhuber, MD, called Bunn, “one of our nation’s heroes in the struggle to overcome cancer.” Also speaking: Bruce D. Benson, president of the University of Colorado; Richard Krugman, MD, vice chancellor of academic affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at University of Colorado Denver; Bruce Schroffel, president and CEO of University of Colorado Hospital; and Hank Brown, former CU president.
“I’m humbled, and I’m honored,” Bunn told the crowd as he accepted a chair statuette. He will also receive a full-size chair for his home office in Steamboat Springs.
To contribute to the endowed chair, visit www.uccc.info/give.
>>Watch a video about Paul Bunn
Thank you Bunn Tribute sponsors
Upcoming Events
July 20 Hercules Walk for Cancer Research, www.eteamz.com/herculeswalk2008
July 27 Raft for the Cure, www.whitewater.net/cure.shtml
August 24 Race For Research, www.race4research.com
September 6 The Golden Gallop: Race to Defeat Pancreatic Cancer, www.goldengallop.org
October 4 University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine 125th Anniversary Celebration http://www.uchsc.edu/som/fantasymd/
The Tribute to Paul A. Bunn Jr., held May 13, raised more than $1 million for the new Paul A. Bunn Jr., Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to the event’s sponsors:
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The James Dudley Family
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Margaret and Dave Grohne
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Allos Therapeutics
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AMC Cancer Research Center
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Philip and Nancy Anschutz
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AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
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The Basey Family
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Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center
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The Courtenay and Lucy Patten Davis Foundation
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Daniel and Judy Hersh
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Monfort Family Foundation
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National Jewish Health
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OSI Pharmaceuticals Foundation
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Dick Robinson Family
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Leif Rosenblatt
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The Children’s Hospital
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University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
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University of Colorado Hospital
Burge Tennis Classic funds lung cancer research
An increasing number of women who have never smoked are getting lung cancer. Chris Burge was one of them, and she died in January 2007. Family, friends and 116 tennis players celebrated Chris’s life at the Chris Burge Tennis Classic last October, which raised $6,570 for lung cancer research at UCCC. Visit www.chrisburgeclassic.com.
Safeway Foundation gives $200,000 for breast cancer research
The Safeway Foundation has donated $200,000 to UCCC to support breast cancer research. In October 2007, Safeway stores throughout the Rocky Mountain region asked their customers for change to support breast cancer research. A portion of the money collected will be used by Anthony Elias, MD, medical director of the UCCC Breast Cancer Program, for seed grants and pilot funding.
2nd Gift of Life and Breath hits new high
The 2nd annual Gift of Life and Breath 5K Run/Walk brought more than 600 people to Cherry Creek State Park on May 17. The event raises funds for early lung cancer research being conducted by Michael Weyant, MD, a UCCC surgical oncologist. The event has raised over $325,000 since 2007, when it was started by Thelissa and Gary Zollinger. Gary, a nonsmoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer and received a lung transplant. He passed away in Sept. 2007. Visit www.thegiftoflifeandbreath.com.
Men for the Cure raises $1 million, dedicates Breast Center
Diane O’Connor Thompson lost her battle with breast cancer in 1999. Her husband, Jeff Thompson, founded Men for a Cure to remember his wife and support breast cancer research at the University of Colorado Hospital. On Jan. 25, the group presented a check for $1 million and dedicated the UCCC Breast Center, located at the hospital, in Diane’s name. The funds will be used to purchase equipment.