Monthly Friends Report: An older Black man with gray hair and glasses smiling outdoors while wearing a backpack and an orange-and-blue plaid shirt.

In this issue: What should people over age 60 do if they’re confused about baby aspirin? And for people who have been taking baby aspirin despite not meeting current recommendations, is it safe to stop suddenly? New guidelines.

If this is the first time you're receiving this newsletter, welcome! Our objective is to update you on the latest discoveries happening at CU Anschutz thanks to the power of philanthropy.

I've been looking forward to sharing this update because it's one of those stories that just keeps getting better.

After Dr. Ross Camidge shared his lung cancer diagnosis last year, we launched a campaign in June to help ensure his team's work continues to change what's possible for people living with lung cancer for generations to come.

What unfolded over the following weeks was more than any of us expected.

Keep reading. I think you'll be glad you did.

Yours in health and discovery,

Julia Patrick

CU Anschutz Advancement Team

P.S. If you want to make sure we continue to land in your inbox once a month, please subscribe and tell us what topics we should include in future issues.

HEALTH + WELLNESS ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

There are new guidelines about who should take daily baby aspirin, also known as low-dose aspirin. Who needs it? It’s complicated.

Peptides are having a moment. From GLP-1 medications to longevity/biohacking culture, peptides are being marketed on social media and in wellness circles. But what are peptides, exactly? And why are they suddenly in the news, on cosmetics labels and in supplements and prescription drugs?

Weight loss can weaken bones, and women in menopause are turning to GLP‑1 weight-loss drugs. One expert warns they may speed bone loss.

Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer because people eat more fresh produce. Here's how to protect yourself during the current cyclospora outbreak.

Getting enough nuts and seeds in your diet? Our nutrition expert shares a few simple reminders about why they're worth making part of your daily routine.

Beta blockers. Why some people are turning to an old drug for high-stress moments.

According to a large nationwide study, the 2025 – 2026 COVID-19 vaccine reduced ER visits by 50% and hospitalizations by 55%. For the best protection, get vaccinated this fall when the updated vaccine is available, ideally with a single-shot COVID-19 and flu combination vaccine if you're eligible.

How does radiation therapy work? The treatment, its side effects and recent advances.

LATEST DISCOVERIES
+ BREAKTHROUGHS

CU Anschutz is the first U.S. entity to receive FDA approval to begin testing a CAR T-cell therapy. This new treatment is designed to help adults with a hard-to-treat form of leukemia by training the body's immune cells to find and attack cancer cells.

For years, scientists believed that preventing the painful skin manifestations of the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles was the end game. But new evidence has emerged that demonstrates how targeting the downstream effects of the virus may help decrease the risk of stroke, dementia and chronic pain.

Researchers have developed a nonhormonal therapy that shows promise in the lab for addressing a menopausal syndrome that causes vaginal pain, dryness and recurrent infections. If treatment shows success in clinical trials, it could offer an option for women with the common and chronic syndrome who cannot or do not want to use hormonal therapies.

Researchers using a "secret-shopper" approach found the compounded GLP-1 medication market remains strong despite the end of the shortage that spurred its FDA approval. The study also uncovered suppliers that lacked licenses or had undergone disciplinary actions.

Male urinary incontinence patients are benefiting from the Division of Urology's world-leading experience with the ProACT system, with more than 400 implants performed. This expertise is now drawing referrals from leading centers, including MD Anderson.

Bayer has announced a new strategic alliance focused on clinical trials in collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz, UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado. This alliance is intended to improve clinical trial efficiency, expand patient access to investigational therapies and advance new medical discoveries.

Philanthropic Spotlight

One Heartfelt Match Led to Another

Dr. Ross Camidge portrait from his diagnosis announcement.

When we launched our World Lung Cancer Day matching challenge for the Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, Thoracic Oncology Endowed Program Support Fund, we hoped we could reach our $100,000 goal by August 1.

Instead, the final days took on a life of their own.

In less than 24 hours, the remaining gap disappeared. By World Lung Cancer Day, the goal had been exceeded and something unexpected happened.

Seeing so many people rally behind Dr. Ross Camidge's work inspired another of his patients to extend the momentum with a new commitment.

Now, every dollar given through the end of November will be matched, up to an additional $100,000!

It's exciting to think about what can happen next - and everyone is invited to be a part of it.

Read the latest update and learn more about the extended match →

Stories of Change

AUGUST 27 - 28
Geriatrics Community Conference
Connect in-person with experts at this conference focused on aging, dementia, heart health and person-centered care.

Save My Spot

SEPTEMBER 2
Care Partners Matter: Caregiver Voices and the GUIDE Program
Gather online with dementia caregivers, patients and families to share caregiver experiences and support resources.

RESEARCH STUDY
Virtual Physical Activity Program for Older Caregivers
Receive support to feel better both physically and mentally so you can be more confident and capable in your caregiving role.

Learn More

A classic iceberg wedge salad topped with creamy blue cheese dressing, crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and croutons, served on a blue floral patterned plate.

Recipe: Iceberg Wedge Salad

Is iceberg lettuce nutritious? Yes!

Wash your iceberg well and make this classic wedge salad with either homemade Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing or Louis 1000 Dressing to cool off during these dog days of summer.

Bonus feature: enjoy a throwback to an important part of Colorado’s history when the state was “Iceberg Central."

History & A Recipe

Brain Teaser

A landscaper is asked to place four trees so that they're all an equal distance away from each other. How does he do this?

Riddles test logic, lateral thinking as well as memory, engaging the brain to see patterns and connections between different things and circumstances.

See the answer >>

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And if you still can't find the information you're looking for, please email me. I'm a real person who always likes hearing from our friends.

University of Colorado Anschutz
Office of Advancement | 303-724-8922

[email protected]
giving.cu.edu/anschutz

HEALTH + WELLNESS ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

LATEST DISCOVERIES + BREAKTHROUGHS

LATEST DISCOVERIES
+ BREAKTHROUGHS