A Brewer man has donated $10 million to establish a local genomics and cancer research center in honor of his wife, who died from cancer.

The Jim and Cathy Gero Center for Genomics and Advanced Therapies will be located at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer. The center will expand access to genomic clinical research trials and advanced cancer treatments in Maine.

Genomics, the study of all of a person’s genes, is helping researchers across the world examine genes that contribute to cancer susceptibility, with the goal of developing precise treatments. Northern Light Health leaders say the center will build on ongoing cancer research at Eastern Maine Medical Center, the health system’s hospital in Bangor.

“This gift will create opportunities to better understand disease and provide access to targeted, effective treatments,” said Ava Collins, president of Eastern Maine Medical Center, in a press release Wednesday.

Jim Gero lost his wife, Cathy, in 2022. Through her fight with cancer, the pair found a passion for genomic medicine. He said the genomic center will expand local access to precision oncology and “provide an additional level of hope to patients throughout northern and central Maine.”

Of every 100,000 people in Maine, approximately 472 have cancer. That’s nearly 30 more cases than the U.S. average, according to the Maine Cancer Registry’s analysis of cancer cases diagnosed in 2022.

The most common diagnoses in Maine that year were female breast; lung and bronchus; prostate; and colon and rectum cancer. The registry identified higher cancer incidence rates in Washington, Penobscot and Hancock counties than elsewhere in the state.

Northern Light Health leaders said the center is designed to improve patient outcomes across the region. Every patient deserves hope, officials echoed Wednesday.

Access to the most advanced treatment options available, they said, could turn hope into reality.