A Gift Made from the Heart with Hope for the Future

A Gift Made from the Heart with Hope for the Future

“There is Hope” - A couple’s gift paves way for personalized care for Maine patients with cancer When Jim and Cathy Gero reflect on the inspiration behind their transformational gift to Northern Light Cancer Care, the humble couple focuses first on how their generosity will help others. Describing themselves as “exceedingly blessed,” the Geros are drawing upon their own experiences and resources to help expand treatment for Mainers facing cancer. Though Jim’s family has roots in Maine going back to the 1600s, Cathy wasn’t introduced to the state until they were married. She remembers immediately falling in love with the beauty, the quiet, and the sincere people. “It was a slice of heaven.” Though the couple has lived in other places, Maine has always felt like home—the perfect fit for their active lifestyle and love of the outdoors.

“We want to be known as people of value. We want to make an impact.”

But in 2018, their lives changed. Cathy was diagnosed with cancer. The couple visited specialists and diligently researched treatment options. They learned about the promising field of genomics, a highly personalized approach to cancer care that uses technology to help doctors understand and treat each patient individually. Described as the future of cancer research and treatment, the study of genomes has also broadened the overall understanding of the disease.

While summering in Maine, Cathy received treatment at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute , where she was struck by the professionalism of the staff and touched by the other patients. “The man in his 30’s with a family. The young woman who is just trying to survive. The hardworking Mainers whose lives are changed forever. We saw these people who have suffered, and we wanted to help.” Jim and Cathy realized the enormity of the burden that a cancer diagnosis brings, especially to those in rural areas. They decided to lead an effort to bring a cancer genomics program to Northern Light Cancer Care, beginning with a donation of $250,000. This gift created the Cancer Genomics Research Fund, which

supports the critical components of a cancer genomics program, including a full-time nurse research coordinator and clinical trials. In addition, they have established the James and Catherine Gero Endowment Fund for Cancer Genomics Research to provide for the future support of this fund. The Geros hope that the community will join them in supporting the cancer genomics program at Northern Light Cancer Care. “Hospitals can face real challenges with bringing in research and the best protocols and professionals. We know this investment in the cancer genomic programwill have a positive impact on the lives of Mainers as well as the local economy and employment.” Jim remarks. True to her kind and selfless nature, Cathy says her dream is that genomics will change the course of cancer treatment for Mainers who might not otherwise have had access to the latest technologies and trials. “I want people to know they can fight this—there is hope.” After four years of facing cancer, Cathy Gero passed away on January 1, 2022. All at Northern Light Cancer Care will miss her bright smile and determination to help others facing cancer. To support the cancer genomics program, visit northernlighthealth.org/give, select Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and choose “EMMC Cancer Genomics Research” as the designation.

Northern Light Cancer Care Compassionate cancer care designed for you Message from the Director I am amazed when I go to work and witness the level of expertise and resources we provide to our patients. There was a time, and not that long ago, when a person would sometimes need to travel out of state to receive leading edge cancer treatment. That is no longer the case! On behalf of our staff and the patients we serve, I want to say how grateful I am for the level of support we receive from area individuals, businesses, and communities. I am excited to share the information, below, and hope it helps you have a better appreciation for all we do at Northern Light Cancer Care. – Donna Boehm

Donna Boehm, MSN, MPH, RN, is system leader for the Northern Light Health Oncology Service Line, and associate vice president of Oncology Services at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute. Donna is an accomplished healthcare executive with extensive experience in leadership and clinical operations. In her role, Donna ensures that care is streamlined for our patients, so they can receive treatment as close to home as possible. She works with cancer leaders and providers throughout the state to open up communication and services, reach strategic initiatives, and help oncology teams stay well connected and share knowledge and resources.

At Northern Light Cancer Care, we combine the expertise of hematology, medical and radiation oncology, pediatric oncology and breast surgical oncology. We work closely with fellowship trained oncology surgeons, colorectal surgeons, thoracic surgeons, head and neck surgeons and neurosurgeons, together with other specialized staff, to deliver coordinated, compassionate care, all under one roof.

We treat all cancer diagnoses, including acute leukemia, breast, colorectal, heart, lung, lymphoma, malignant brain tumors, melanoma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic, prostate, and sarcoma.

Our cancer experts work in conjunction with primary care providers to provide consultation and care for blood and clotting disorders, anemia, hemophilia, Von Willebrand, ITP, and myelodysplastic syndrome. We are the only site in Maine with the technology and expertise to care for graft vs. host disease. Our robust lymphedema clinic helps patients who experience lymphatic side effects from treatment.

Our program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons - Commission on Cancer. As part of our accreditation requirement, we maintain a cancer registry, and an annual cancer report.

Our physicians play a leading role in ensuring local and regional availability of comprehensive cancer care.

Risk education | Screening | Curative

We help manage cancer risk by offering genetic assessments and testing.

Our adult medical oncologists collaborate with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to offer more options and innovative therapies close to home. We coordinate care with multidisciplinary tumor boards both with experts at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Patients are encouraged to participate in clinical trials, and our team of research nurses review patients’ eligibility and manage their care both in active treatment and in follow up.

The recent endowment gift from Jim and Cathy Gero will boost our ability to perform genomic research , which is the study of the entirety of an organism’s genes – called the genome. Using high-performance computing and math techniques known as bioinformatics, genomics researchers analyze enormous amounts of DNA-sequence data to find variations that affect health, disease or drug response. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to bring a new standard of care to Maine with our Lung Cancer Screening Program . Our comprehensive program takes a hands-on approach to patient care, employing a nurse navigator to assist patients as needed.

Count on us: Cancer Care by the numbers

The year in patient activity at Northern Light Cancer Care includes:

455 patients actively enrolled in clinical research studies

1,654 New and follow up visits Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

2,044 New patients 29,045 Follow up visits and treaments Adult Hematology and Oncology

Radiation Oncology

More than 57 adult and 25 pediatric trials are available

887 New patients 17,747 Follow up visits and treaments

Staff at Northern Light Cancer Care cared for over 50,000 patients last year

We treat patients from all parts of the state

14 oncologists, 11 nurse practioners/physician assistants, 42 nurses, 4 radiologists, 17 radiation therapists, 4 dosimetrists, 4 physicists, and 178 support staff system-wide serve our patients

2022 EVENT SCHEDULE

8.20.22 | Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, Brewer � Run (1k, 5k, 10k) � Cycle (12, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mile)

8.21.22 | Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, Brewer

� Walk (1k, 5k, 10k) � Run (1k, 5k, 10k)

9.18.22 | Brewer Waterfront Near Mason's � Paddle (1.4 and 7.5 mile) 9.24.22 | 80 Brown Rd, Corinna � Horse Trail Ride (5 and 10 mile rides)

Champion the Cure Challenge Each year, thousands of people in our communities come together with a shared purpose for the Champion the Cure Challenge. The Challenge is the only event in the greater Bangor region whose sole purpose is to fund local cancer research and patient care. Every dollar raised supports cancer care at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. Challenge funds have been used to support and grow our clinical research program, as part of the genomics matching gift, and for hair preservation, food insecurity, liquid nutrition, vision testing for pediatric brain cancer patients, and improvements to radiation and bone density technology. In total, the event has raised more than $5.7 million in just 12 years to support research and patient care.

FUNDRAISING SPOTLIGHT

This event includes walk, run, cycle, paddle, horseback trail ride, and virtual events. For more information, please visit ctcc.org.