October 9, 2026 — ALK Positive is honored to announce a $50,000 donation to the Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, Thoracic Oncology Endowed Program Support Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
Made in honor of Dr. D. Ross Camidge, the gift will be matched, bringing the fund to a total of $400,000. The contribution will help sustain and grow the thoracic oncology program that has made a meaningful impact on patients with lung cancer, including the global ALK-positive community.
“ALK Positive is absolutely honored and thrilled to make this gift in Ross’s honor,” said Nancee Pronsati, patient and board member of ALK Positive. “The opportunity to be part of this would not have been possible without Ross’s decades of work and the way he has treated and cared for so many of us, directly or indirectly.”
Colin Barton, patient and member of the ALK Positive Medical Committee, added, “Ross has earned my utmost admiration and respect for the time he devotes to inspiring other oncologists, his out-of-the-box thinking, and his refusal to accept the status quo. His commitment to advancing innovative treatments and sharing his expertise with ALK-positive patients around the world has made a lasting difference.”
Honoring a Remarkable Legacy
The University of Colorado established the endowed fund in Dr. Camidge’s name to recognize his extraordinary contributions to lung cancer research and patient care, his influence on patients and colleagues around the world, and his own experience navigating a lung cancer diagnosis.
The fund serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy and decades of leadership at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
At Dr. Camidge’s request, the fund was intentionally designed to provide maximum flexibility to his thoracic oncology team, allowing resources to be directed where they are needed most. This could include research, patient care, education, or training the next generation of clinician-scientists.
The goal is straightforward: to ensure that the work Ross helped build can continue to advance for years to come.
For the ALK-positive community, that legacy is particularly meaningful.
Dr. Camidge has played an important role in advancing research and treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer and caring for patients from around the world. For many, his willingness to share his expertise and guidance—including through remote consultations—has made an extraordinary difference, particularly when access to specialized ALK expertise was difficult to find.
“This is an ideal use of funds,” said Kirk Smith, patient and president of ALK Positive. “It helps sustain a leading thoracic oncology program that has made a meaningful difference for ALK-positive patients around the world, while recognizing what Ross means to us all—as a leader, a motivator, a thinker, and, most importantly, a friend.”
Dr. Camidge’s influence extends far beyond his own patients. His innovative thinking, refusal to accept the status quo, and dedication to inspiring fellow oncologists continue to push the boundaries of cancer care.
“His commitment to treating the whole person and his relentless pursuit of better treatments embody the spirit of innovation this fund is intended to support,” said Summer Farmen, patient and vice president of ALK Positive.
A Community Honors—and Looks Ahead
For patients and care partners who have encountered Dr. Camidge over the years, his scientific contributions are only part of his legacy.
“We all know the enormous contribution that Ross has made to ALK research and patient care, and his mischievous sense of British humour was one of his trademarks, for which he is so highly thought of by both patients and care partners,” said Duncan Preece, patient and board member of ALK Positive.
For ALK Positive, the $50,000 contribution is both an expression of gratitude and an investment in the future.
Dr. Camidge’s career demonstrates what can happen when scientific research, clinical expertise, and a deep commitment to patients come together. By supporting the endowed fund in his name, ALK Positive hopes to help ensure that those values continue to shape thoracic oncology for generations to come.
“Securing a future for continued lung cancer research at the University of Colorado in honor of Ross is a win-win for all of us!” concluded Dr. Ken Culver, Executive Director & Medical Director, ALK Positive.
The ALK-positive community is deeply grateful for Dr. Camidge’s contributions and proud to help carry his legacy forward—supporting the research, expertise, and patient-centered care that will make a difference for those facing lung cancer in the years ahead.
About ALK Positive
ALK Positive is a patient-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and extending the lives of people affected by ALK-positive cancer. Through education, advocacy, research support, and community building, ALK Positive works to accelerate progress and ensure that patients around the world have access to the knowledge, resources, and care they need.
