Walter Dear’s Gratitude Blossoms into a Mission
In the six years that Martha Dear battled breast cancer, she developed a special appreciation for Dr. Anthony Elias, associate director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
Grateful for the excellent care, Martha and her husband, Walter, were also inspired by Dr. Elias’ groundbreaking research.
When Martha died, Walter contributed $1.25 million toward an endowed chair for Dr. Elias. But he didn’t stop there. He felt so deeply about the importance of Dr. Elias’ work that he initiated a fundraising campaign among his family and friends, agreeing to match all donations two-to-one.
Walter even flew on his own dime to Kentucky to request $50,000 from personal contacts at a local foundation. “I was scared to death,” Walter remembers. “I’d never done this before and $50,000 is a pretty
big smack.” Despite his nerves,Walter’s passion won them over.
Together, Walter Dear and Dr. Elias raised well over $2 million, more than enough to create an endowed chair. “Receiving this gift is truly an honor,” said Dr. Elias. “It means that you’ve made an impact on someone’s life and that they have faith in your research.”
Dr. Elias plans to use the endowment to improve the outcomes for women with breast cancer. His research to discover new pathways and biomarkers could eventually contribute to major breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment.
And as for the title of the endowed chair? Walter says, “Martha probably wouldn’t be very keen on naming it after her. She was very modest. But I’ll name it after her because it makes my heart beat.”
The Martha Cannon Dear Chair in Breast Cancer Research is now a reality.
Click here to make a gift to the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
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