Colorado Blood Cancer Institute

12/09/2025

At Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, we have the privilege of walking alongside patients through some of life’s most challenging journeys. One of those remarkable individuals was Ciarra.

Ciarra’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. Over six years, she faced blood cancer with unwavering strength. Her courage inspired our entire care team and everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She reminded us daily why we do what we do: to provide hope, healing, and compassion when it matters most.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and the CBCI team. She will forever be remembered as more than a patient—she was a fighter, a mother, and a beacon of strength. To all our patients and families, Ciarra’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the community that surrounds you here at CBCI.

Every nonprofit organization starts with sparks– an inspiring ‘why.’ For Small Choices, one of those sparks is Ciarra.✨

Ciarra, her partner Marlin, and their little one, Summit, were the second family referred to Small Choices in 2019. Before gaining her angel wings last month, Ciarra led a courageous 6 year journey enduring cancer, COVID isolation, 3 bone marrow transplants, multiple infections, GVHD and time away from home…and her bright light shone all the way through. ♥️🪽

Small Choices aims to ensure Marlin and Summit are showered in love this Christmas, as well as at least 100 more patients and their families navigating cancer this holiday season through our Holiday Giving adopt-a-family program and inpatient gift bag deliveries.

🎁 This Colorado Gives Day, we humbly ask you to make a gift in honor of our angels like Ciarra. All donations made between now and Dec 9th are boosted by a $1M+ incentive fund – please schedule your special gift via https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Small-Choices-Foundation

12/08/2025

What is a blood & marrow (stem cell) transplant and what can you expect?

At Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, we’re the largest and most experienced full-service blood and marrow transplant program in Colorado and among the top programs in the country, with more than 5,000 transplants performed.

In this quick video, Blood & Marrow Transplant 101, you’ll learn:
• The difference between using your own stem cells vs. a donor’s
• How transplanted stem cells build a healthy immune system
• How your expert care team supports you every step of the way

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9_xF4sb7zw and then learn more about our program on our Web site: https://bloodcancerinstitute.com/service/blood-and-marrow-transplant

Learn about how blood and marrow transplants, or stem cell transplants, work and how they can help fight cancer in this animated video from Sarah Cannon.

12/04/2025

Last week, Drs. Jonathan Lockhart and Tara Gregory brought Thanksgiving to the blood cancer and stem cell transplant units at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s sharing smiles, gratitude, and a taste of home.

They even hosted a friendly “bake off!" The winning recipe? Dr. Gregory's Grandma Marian’s apple pie. (YUM!)

Just one sweet example of how every member of the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute team strives to care for our patients like family.

12/04/2025

We're growing to serve you better! The Colorado Blood Cancer Institute (CBCI) and Outpatient Infusion Services recently began construction to expand our infusion services -- part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the care and comfort of our patients.

Phase One began Thursday, Nov. 20 and we hope to be completed by August 2026. During construction, you may notice some layout changes, but clear signage will be posted to help guide you through each phase. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to make your experience as comfortable and safe as possible. Thank you for being a valued part of the CBCI family!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Gregory and the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute Team!
This season, we are especially grateful for the trust you place in us to care for your health and well-being. Your resilience and commitment to living your best life inspire us every day.
May your holiday be filled with warmth, joy, and moments that make you smile.
🍂 Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the holiday!

11/25/2025

Colorado Blood Cancer Institute is the largest and most experienced full-service blood and marrow transplant program in Colorado and among the top programs in the country, having performed thousands of transplants and supporting countless families through cancer care. Because of this experience, we understand that cancer isn’t just physical— it’s deeply emotional, too, especially for children.

We are committed to supporting the whole family through your treatment. Children of a parent going through a transplant or other cancer treatment may struggle with changes in routine and worry about who will care for them.

Parents may find it helpful to:
- Keep routines as normal as possible
- Talk honestly, in an age-appropriate way, about what to expect
- Give children a safe space to share fears and feelings

Our psychosocial oncology team is made up of master’s-prepared, licensed social workers who can connect you with resources to help children cope. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out and let us help your family through your cancer journey.

https://bloodcancerinstitute.com/

11/19/2025

🎄 Our Holiday Favorites: Recipes from your CBCI team 🎄

The holidays are sweeter when shared! And our very own Devin Nelson, PA-C, MMS (who specializes in hematology and hematopoietic cellular transplant and cellular therapy) has just the recipe! 🍫🥨

Try Devin’s Holiday Chex Mix for a crunchy, chocolatey snack that’s perfect for family, friends, or sneaking a handful yourself.

Holiday Chex Mix
Yields: 15 cups | Prep: 5 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients:

3 cups rice Chex cereal
3 cups corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini twist pretzels
2 cups roasted, salted peanuts
2 cups roasted, salted cashews
1 stick salted butter (½ cup)
½ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp maple syrup
10oz bag of holiday M&Ms

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add cereals, pretzels, and nuts in a single layer.

Melt butter in a pot, whisk in brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth.

Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, toss gently, and bake 45 min, stirring halfway through. Let cool on the sheet tray, stirring occasionally.

Add chocolate M&Ms and toss gently.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Share this with your family and friends — and make your holidays a little sweeter.

11/11/2025

At Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are an essential part of our team. APPs include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work closely with our physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage care for our patients. They bring skill, compassion, and dedication to every aspect of patient care, helping ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients and their families.

Our APPs care for patients both in the hospital and in outpatient settings, and they’re also a key part of our outreach efforts across Colorado and beyond. Their expertise, dedication, and teamwork make a real difference for every patient we see.

We’re so grateful for their commitment and the incredible care they provide to our patients. Learn more about our team on our Web site: https://bloodcancerinstitute.com/physicians/listing #

11/05/2025

Our team’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the exam room and clinic. At CBCI, we are always collaborating, innovating and finding new ways to strengthen our program, advance patient care and promote quality service. This weekend, our providers took time away from their families and loved ones to gather offsite to share ideas, deepen expertise and strengthen teamwork. We were honored to be joined by HCA HealthONE division leaders and HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute leaders who offered meaningful contributions. We are so grateful for our incredible team here at CBCI and within our larger HCA Healthcare system who are always demonstrating their dedication to our patients and advancing patient care!

(Pictured l. to r.): Drs. Mountjoy, Nash, Eghtedar, Matous, Schade, Maris and Gregory

10/28/2025

Support Group Tonight: Let’s Talk Intimacy & Cancer

Join us TONIGHT at 5:30 p.m. MT for an online support group with our psychosocial team and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This month, we’re exploring a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply important: Sexuality and intimacy while living with a cancer diagnosis.

Our guest speaker, Matthew Higgins, LPC, brings specialized experience in supporting individuals and caregivers navigating the emotional and physical aspects of cancer. Matthew believes that discussing s*xual health and intimacy openly can be profoundly healing. It will be a chance to explore touch, connection, and emotional closeness in a safe, supportive environment.

Even if this topic doesn’t seem to apply to you, we invite you to approach it holistically. Intimacy isn’t just about s*x. It’s about human connection, closeness, touch, and emotional well-being. Curiosity and openness can be a powerful part of coping and healing.

Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7469773666?pwd=SEhMREdKajkrNnlzTEpxeDZLUmdqQT09

10/21/2025

The CBCI Psychosocial Team, in conjunction with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, will be hosting its online support group next 👉Tuesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.👈

This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month to provide mutual support and the opportunity to discuss questions and concerns with others who share similar experiences. Sharing in this way strengthens family bonds, creates new connections, and enhances everyone’s ability to cope with cancer.

Participants will also have the chance to hear from expert guest speakers on topics such as financial support, nutrition, palliative care, stress management, and insights from local survivors.

Login information will be provided after registering. Learn more here: https://bloodcancerunited.org/article/family-support-groups-colorado

10/18/2025

At Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, we’re not waiting for the future — we’re helping to create it. Through our partnership with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we’re giving patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials right here in Colorado.

Learn more about how we’re advancing care: https://bloodcancerinstitute.com/clinical-trials/