Stories of Change

On January 15, 25 guests gathered at the Anschutz Health Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to celebrate the creation of the Morton and Sandra Saffer Cancer Center Endowed Cancer Research Chair and the Morton and Sandra Saffer Endowed Cancer Research Chair. Thanks to the enduring generosity of the late Morton and Sandra Saffer, and their family who continues their legacy, pioneering work in cancer research and care will influence countless people and communities. 

Marco Del Chiaro, MD, is the inaugural chair holder of the Morton and Sandra Saffer Cancer Center Endowed Cancer Research Chair. A surgical oncologist with over 15 years of experience in the treatment of pancreatic diseases, Dr. Del Chiaro’s mission is to improve pancreatic cancer survival through both prevention and aggressive treatment of advanced tumors and to create a multimodal personalized treatment for each patient.  

Manali Kamdar, MD, is the inaugural chair holder of the Morton and Sandra Saffer Endowed Cancer Research Chair. Dr. Kamdar serves as the Clinical Director of Lymphoma Services in the Division of Hematology at CU Anschutz and is a clinical researcher in malignant hematology with a focus on lymphomas and autologous transplantation. She conducts clinical trials with the hope of improving outcomes in the field of lymphoproliferative malignancies. 

During the event, attendees heard from Allison Krebs, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement at CU Anschutz, and Richard Schulick, MD, Professor and Chair of Surgery and Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Both expressed gratitude to the benefactors and for the ability to “help bridge connections between our campus and those who are committed to making a meaningful difference,” as was noted by Ms. Krebs. 

Dr. Del Chiaro and Dr. Kamdar then spoke about what they plan to accomplish through their chair appointments and thanked the Saffer family for their partnership and joint vision to improve cancer outcomes and patient quality of life. Morton and Sandra’s daughter, Lori TenEyck, also addressed the group, sharing about her parents and the impact they will have for generations to come through their generosity and desire to eradicate cancer. 

Dr. Schulick presented medallions to Ms. TenEyck, Dr. Del Chiaro and Dr. Kamdar in honor of their commitment to excellence in medicine, and the evening concluded with a celebratory toast.