Northern Light Health receives $250K gift for cancer research

Courtesy / Northern Light Cancer Care Cathy and Jim Gero made a $250,000 donation to Northern Light Cancer Care.

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By Staff

Northern Light Cancer Care, part of the Northern Light Health system, has received a $250,000 donation to fund research into the genomics of cancer.

The donation from Jim and Cathy Gero will fund a cancer genomics research coordinator position, along with funding other critical components such as clinical trials of promising cancer treatments, Northern Light said in a news release.

The Geros also committed a “significant gift” from their estate to create the James and Cathy Gero Endowment Fund for Cancer Genomic Research, which will provide ongoing support to improve existing therapies and support advancements in oncology care. The amount of that gift was not disclosed.

“We would like to be part of an effort to enhance the ability of Northern Light Cancer Care and the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute to provide the best treatments possible. By funding genomics research at a local level, we are hoping to provide a catalyst that will lead to studies of different avenues of treatment, using the latest technology,” said Cathy Gero.

A “major gift” from the Partridge Foundation, a John and Polly Guth Charitable Fund, was also made to support cancer research. The amount of that gift was not disclosed.

“Genomic medicine is a rapidly growing field that has emerged as an important tool in improving our understanding of the biologic and molecular complexity of cancer. With the ability to obtain genomic information from an individual tumor, we can begin to personalize oncology treatment and improve upon existing therapy,” said Northern Light Cancer Care medical oncologist and director of clinical research, Sarah Sinclair.

Northern Light Cancer Care said it was committed to supporting an active clinical trials program for cancer patients in its region.

Northern Light Health, which operates 10 hospitals, is the state’s second-largest health care system. Headquartered in Brewer, Northern Light Health employs more than 12,000 people.