A Champion inspires, encourages, stands up, and empowers every single person engaged in the fight against cancer. The Champions of Hope Gala brings together so many Champions from across all fields, providers, supporters, researchers, family, and most importantly, survivors.
We are proud to recognize Stanley Lapidus as the 2026 honoree of the American Cancer Society Denver Champions of Hope Gala for his extraordinary contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the advancement of cancer detection.
Stanley Lapidus is a visionary inventor, entrepreneur, and pioneer in the field of diagnostic medicine whose work has transformed the way cancer is detected and diagnosed around the world. Throughout his distinguished career, Stan has founded two of the most influential companies in the history of the diagnostics industry, helping millions of people access lifesaving cancer screening technologies.
As the founder of Cytyc Corporation, Stan led the development and commercialization of the ThinPrep® Pap Test, a groundbreaking innovation that modernized cervical cancer screening and became the new standard of care. The technology dramatically improved the accuracy and effectiveness of Pap testing, helping physicians detect cervical cancer earlier and improving outcomes for countless women worldwide.
Building on that success, Stan later founded Exact Sciences, where he helped revolutionize colorectal cancer screening through the development of Cologuard®, the first widely adopted, noninvasive stool DNA test for colorectal cancer detection. Cologuard has expanded access to screening, increased compliance among patients, and has played a critical role in identifying cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
A prolific innovator, Stan holds 37 U.S. patents spanning a range of medical technologies and diagnostic advancements. His work has consistently focused on one central mission: using innovation to detect cancer earlier, when treatment can be most effective and lives can be saved.
In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical engineering and cancer diagnostics, Stan was elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) in 2014. This prestigious honor recognized his pioneering efforts in advancing technologies for the early detection of cancer and his lasting impact on public health.
In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Stan has dedicated significant time to mentoring and educating the next generation of innovators. He served as an instructor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 2001 to 2017, sharing his expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship, and medical technology with aspiring engineers and business leaders.
Stan earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City, where the foundation for his lifelong commitment to innovation and problem solving was established.
Through his groundbreaking inventions, entrepreneurial leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving cancer detection, Stanley Lapidus has changed the trajectory of cancer care for millions of people. His work embodies the spirit of hope, discovery, and progress, making him an inspiring choice as the 2026 Denver Champions of Hope Gala Honoree.
Leadership
We are honored to welcome Mark and Kim Thylin as the 2026 Chairs of the American Cancer Society’s Janus Henderson Investors Denver Champions of Hope Gala.
The Thylin family’s connection to the American Cancer Society is deeply personal. In 2025, their daughter Ashley courageously served as our mission speaker, sharing her family’s powerful story of navigating a Burkitt Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis she received at just 16 years old. Ashley’s journey, resilience, and hope moved our audience and underscored the urgent need for continued investment in cancer research and patient support.
Professionally, Mark serves as Head of Structured Fund Solutions for First Citizens Bank and is a dedicated member of the American Cancer Society Denver Area Board. Kim is a professional interior designer, bringing a creative eye and thoughtful approach to every space she touches. Together, Mark and Kim bring both leadership and heartfelt passion to this role, united by a commitment to advancing lifesaving research and improving outcomes for families facing cancer.
The Thylin family believes in the power of community and collective impact. They invite you to join them at our 2026 event to learn more about this mission and to help drive meaningful progress in the fight against cancer.
Leadership
This year, we invite you to be part of something truly groundbreaking.
For the first time, the American Cancer Society’s Denver Champions of Hope Gala will dedicate its Mission Paddle Raise to BrightEdge, the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit venture philanthropy initiative that is transforming how lifesaving cancer innovations reach patients. Inspired by the vision of our 2026 Sword of Hope Honoree, Stanley Lapidus, this year’s mission reflects his lifelong commitment to advancing early detection and bringing breakthrough technologies from discovery to the people who need them most.
BrightEdge invests in the bold ideas, pioneering researchers, and visionary entrepreneurs developing the next generation of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and care. By bridging the critical gap between scientific discovery and patient impact, BrightEdge helps accelerate promising innovations that have the potential to save countless lives.
Your gift during the Mission Paddle Raise is more than a donation. It is an investment in the future of cancer research and the breakthroughs that will change the way cancer is prevented, detected, and treated for generations to come.
Together, we have the opportunity to accelerate innovation, fuel hope, and help bring tomorrow’s cancer breakthroughs to patients faster. When you raise your paddle, you become part of a movement that is illuminating the future of cancer research.
Learn More
Now in its 14th year, the Denver Champions of Hope Gala has raised more than $4.8 million right here in our community. Each dollar fuels cancer prevention, early detection, lifesaving research, critical advocacy, and vital patient support programs that help individuals and families at every step of the cancer journey. Together, our Denver community is turning generosity into hope and action.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
