The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has announced a $20 million gift from Katy O. and Paul M. Rady for esophageal and gastric cancer research, clinical trials, screening, surveillance, and treatments. 

The gift will fund the new Esophageal and Gastric Center of Excellence, named in honor of the donors and housed in the University of Colorado Cancer Center. The latest gift will support a new endowed chair and innovation fund, recruitment of top talent and infrastructure, the development and expansion of clinical trials, and the expansion of screening and surveillance programs. 

Katy Rady lost her brother, Paul R. O’Hara II, to esophageal cancer in 2015 and created the Paul R. O’Hara II Endowed Chair in Esophageal Cancer at the CU Cancer Center in his memory.

“The CU Cancer Center’s recognition and experience as a national leader in research and care makes them well-suited to lead efforts to accelerate medical breakthroughs and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with complex cancers like esophageal and gastric cancer,” said Katy and Paul Rady. 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Fat Camera)