James C. and Elisabeth C. Dudley Lung Cancer Program

A historic gift made by Elisabeth Dudley in 2015 is transforming lung cancer research and keeping top talent at the helm. The James C. and Elisabeth C. Dudley Lung Cancer Program stands as a tribute to Paul A. Bunn, Jr., MD, and a longstanding friendship among a physician, his patient and an entire family.

Mrs. Dudley’s relationship with CU began when her husband, James, was diagnosed with lung cancer in the 1990s. At the center of that relationship was Dr. Paul Bunn, who the Dudley’s came to value as their physician and friend.

“It was clear early on that Dr. Bunn’s care extended beyond the boundaries of typical medicine,” said Elisabeth Dudley, “and that he was committed to us in every important way, small and large.”

Grateful and inspired, the Dudleys supported Dr. Bunn’s work and kept abreast of developments in the field. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Dudley established the Paul Bunn/James Dudley Endowed Chair in Cancer Research in 2000 and the Paul A. Bunn, Jr. Endowed Chair in Cancer Research in 2009.

With these gifts, the Dudley family is accelerating progress in lung cancer and bringing the compassionate care James received to countless others.