Kerry and Megan Hicks Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Hypertension Celebration
Written by Laura Alsum
Sep 17, 2024
Kerry Hicks dedicated his career to pioneering innovative healthcare businesses such as HealthGrades, which promotes patient empowerment. Approximately eight years ago, Kerry was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. In receiving top-tier care at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – from one of the most renowned experts in the field, David Badesch, MD – Kerry and his wife Megan decided to expand their impact on healthcare by establishing the Kerry and Megan Hicks Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Hypertension.
On Thursday, August 1, 65 people gathered at the Anschutz Health and Science Building to celebrate the endowed chair and the impressive work being done to improve the lives of those with pulmonary hypertension.
In his remarks, CU Department of Medicine Chair Vineet Chopra, MD, MSc, Robert W. Schrier, MD, Chair of Medicine, noted that it wasn’t long ago when little could be done for patients with pulmonary hypertension outside of providing very basic medications. “All that has changed, largely because of the work that has been done here at CU Anschutz for many years. Your gift and your generosity will help ensure that this type of work continues for many years to come,” Dr. Chopra said to Kerry and Megan.
Dr. David Badesch, the clinical director of the pulmonary hypertension center and the chair of pharmacy and therapeutics committee, has been named the inaugural chair holder of the Kerry and Megan Hicks Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Hypertension. At the celebration, Dr. Badesch thanked Kerry and Megan, calling them among the most generous and thoughtful people he’s ever met. “They share our desire to advance medical research in pulmonary hypertension and vascular disease. Our goals are simple: to lead in patient care, research and training,” Dr. Badesch said. “This wonderful endowment that the Hicks have given us will help us in all three of those areas, and we're incredibly grateful.”
The celebration concluded with Dr. Chopra presenting medallions to Dr. Badesch and Kerry and Megan Hicks to honor their commitment to providing a high standard of excellence in pulmonary hypertension care.
