Stories of Change

We are pleased to announce that the LGA Family Foundation and Frank Atherton, director of the Foundation, have established the Emily Coe Atherton Endowed Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research with gifts totaling $2 million. Wells Messersmith, MD, has been named the inaugural chair holder. 

Longtime benefactors of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mr. Atherton and the LGA Family Foundation established this new chair in loving memory of Emily Coe Atherton, Mr. Atherton’s late wife, who valiantly fought pancreatic cancer for more than six years. In her memory, resources from this fund will support leading clinical and research scientists in their commitment to the development of new detection methods and better treatments, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure to eradicate this disease. 

Dr. Messersmith is a professor and head of the Division of Medical Oncology within the University of Colorado School of Medicine. His work is primarily focused upon the use of a personalized approach in discovering leading-edge drugs for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The Atherton family is grateful for his expertise, dedication and compassionate care of Emily during her journey. 

We offer our sincere thanks to the LGA Family Foundation, Frank Atherton, Dr. Messersmith and Allison Krebs in the Office of Advancement for their partnership and collaboration in facilitating this transformative gift.