An Inspired Gift Fuels Life-Saving Research and Leading-Edge Clinical Care at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
A Historic Gift in Myeloma In July 2018, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus had reason to celebrate. Inspired by the leading-edge initiatives taking place on campus in multiple myeloma and other blood disorders, Denver couple David and Colleen Kessenich established the David and Colleen Kessenich Multiple Myeloma Research Fund with a $2 million gift, which was matched by the CU Cancer Center and the CU School of Medicine to bring the fund to $4 million. David Kessenich is co-founder and managing partner of Denver private equity investment firm Excellere Partners, and he and Colleen are regular visitors to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Mr. and Mrs. Kessenich created this fund to speed vital translational research initiatives and to recognize the deep commitment among CU Anschutz faculty to offering the latest and best care to patients living with these diseases. “My wife and I felt that establishing an endowed fund would not only be a fitting way to recognize the tremendous talent at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, but also serve as a reliable source of support in perpetuity to foster innovation in myeloma treatment and care,� said Mr. Kessenich.
Motivated by Top Talent In early 2018, David attended a laboratory tour with the myeloma team in the CU Division of Hematology, and the collaborative, innovative work he learned about there motivated the couple to think about how they might contribute to its progress. With the gift that followed, the Kessenichs are supporting top talent including Tomer Mark, MD, MSc; Daniel Sherbenou, MD, PhD; Peter Forsberg, MD; Craig Jordan, PhD and Clay Smith, MD, and this group of leaders has made great strides in both their research and clinical missions in the year since.