Northern Light Health announces $10 million gift to support genomic medicine and advanced therapies

Date: 05/27/2026

Northern Light Health is honored to announce a transformative $10 million gift from Jim Gero to establish the Jim and Cathy Gero Center for Genomics and Advanced Therapies for Northern Light Cancer Care at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute.

Building on the genomic clinical research led by Sarah Sinclair, DO, medical director of Cancer Research and Medical Oncology for Northern Light Cancer Care at Eastern Maine Medical Center, the establishment of this center represents a transformational leap forward in access to clinical trials and advanced cancer treatments for Maine.

This groundbreaking investment is designed to advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes across the region. The program will expand access to genomic clinical research trials and accelerate access to advanced cancer therapies closer to home.

“Genomic medicine has the power to transform how we prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer,” says R. Guy Hudson, MD, president and CEO of Northern Light Health. “Jim is a visionary with a commitment to this region, and we are incredibly grateful for his generosity. With our amazing Cancer Care team, state-of-the-art facilities at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, and Eastern Maine Medical Center’s collaboration with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Northern Light Health is uniquely positioned to be a leader in cancer care for Maine.”

This gift honors Jim’s late wife, Cathy, who passed away from cancer in 2022. Their experience developed Jim and Cathy’s passion for the power of genomic medicine. “This new endeavor builds on the strong foundation of the Lafayette Cancer Family Cancer Institute, advancing cancer care through the integration of cutting-edge genomic therapies. The genomic center will expand access to precision oncology for patients across northern and central Maine and serve as a driver of continued clinical innovation,” explains Jim. “I also feel that the genomic center will provide an additional level of hope to patients throughout northern and central Maine, and it will serve as an engine for clinical development.”

“This gift will create opportunities to better understand disease and provide access to targeted, effective treatments,” states Ava Collins, MBA, FACHE, president of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. “Thanks to Jim’s generosity, Northern Light Health will be able to bring the treatments of tomorrow to our patients today.”

The Jim and Cathy Gero Center for Genomics and Advanced Therapies will help ensure that world-class, personalized cancer care is available close to home. This vision is built around a simple but powerful belief: every patient deserves hope, and every patient deserves access to the most advanced treatment options available anywhere.