Stories of Change

Our Cancer Match is on again this year, with a goal of raising $200,000 to unlock and additional $400,000 before December 2, Giving Tuesday.

In a powerful show of support for cancer research, the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center’s 2024 Giving Tuesday initiative exceeded expectations — not once, but multiple times.

Thanks to a passionate community of benefactors, foundations and researchers, over $600,000 was raised in 2024 to fuel new clinical trials, lab studies and research into prevention and survivorship in 2025. This remarkable success story is a testament to what’s possible when people come together with a shared belief in curing cancer. 

Championing the effort, CU Anschutz Cancer Center director Richard Schulick, MD, underscored the real-world impact of philanthropic support. “Every dollar we receive helps us research the prevention of cancer, detect cancer early and discover better treatments,” he said. “We are improving the lives of our patients and getting closer and closer to curing cancer.” 

That message sparked a wave of generosity. The initial 2-to-1 match, offered by Cancer League of Colorado and MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation, set the tone and multiplied the impact of every early gift. As momentum grew, other benefactors stepped forward with additional matching challenges. Each time a match was met, another opportunity emerged, and the community responded with overwhelming support.  

“This was more than a fundraising success. It was a reflection of the deep commitment our community has to curing cancer,” said Scott Arthur, vice chancellor at the CU Anschutz Office of Advancement. “Patients, researchers and supporters came together with a shared belief in progress, and it made all the difference.” 

As Colorado’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the CU Anschutz Cancer Center continues to lead the way in advancing treatments and improving survival rates for some of the most challenging cancers. Philanthropy plays a vital role in this work, helping researchers explore new therapies, reduce side effects and bring discoveries from the lab to the bedside. 

Dr. Schulick emphasized that this kind of progress depends on public support. “Fundraising is important because we can't just depend on money from universities and from the government,” he said. “The public also has to support our research endeavors against cancer. That's the only way we can move the needle as fast as possible.” 

Each gift during 2024’s Giving Tuesday, whether large or small, made it possible to drive this effort forward. Together, people from all walks of life helped accelerate the pace of discovery and brought hope to patients and families facing cancer. 

This year marks the next chapter in our continued commitment to fighting cancer. And the need for community involvement persists, now more than ever. Every contribution helps scientists pursue breakthroughs in prevention, early detection and treatment. Whether it’s your first gift or one of many, your support makes a real difference. Join us in fueling progress and bringing hope to those who need it most. 

Make your gift today: https://giving.cu.edu/cancermatch