The Compass Fall 2021 | Page 4

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time to considering which causes spoke to them and what kind of legacy they wanted to achieve through their gifts . Through an estate planning professional and conversations with Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation , they were able to target their giving to specific initiatives within healthcare about which they felt most strongly .

“ When Jim and I talked about what we wanted our money to go to , I had concluded I wanted something scientific , forward-thinking and innovative ,” Cathy said . With a personal interest in cancer research , education and treatment , Cathy found her passion and interests aligned with efforts at Baylor Scott & White . “ Genomics , targeted immune therapy , repurposing of drugs — all of that takes a lot of study ,” she said . “ We don ’ t take enough time to realize that healthcare , medicine , is not something ‘ done ,’ but rather is constantly changing based on research .”

Working with Cynthia Krause , vice president of Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation , Jim and Cathy were able to learn about different funding opportunities , meet with the people behind the Baylor Scott & White mission and understand the need . “ She helped us refine where we wanted to make an impact ,” Cathy said .

The Geros were particularly impressed to learn about the Texas Immuno- Oncology Biorepository ( TIOB ), a project led by Ronan Kelly , MD , chief of oncology for the North Texas Division of Baylor Scott & White and the W . W . Caruth Chair in Immunology . “ I was absolutely blown away

Cathy and Jim Gero have been together for almost 54 years . by planning for the future that was already in process , by Dr . Kelly ’ s enthusiasm for what Baylor Scott & White is doing , and the thought that he put into it . He was informative , exuberant , eager to be helpful and very down to earth in his presentation . I was so impressed with the plan and Baylor Scott & White ’ s hopes and dreams as he laid them out ,” Cathy said . She and Jim decided that most of their endowment would help fund precision care and immunotherapy efforts like the TIOB . The Geros also fund similar initiatives at two hospitals they support in Maine as well .

“ It ’ s inspiring when informed and discerning individuals like the Geros seek out projects that can make a lasting impact in how treatments and care are delivered in the future ,” Dr . Kelly said . “ Not only are their personal enthusiasm and passion contagious , but their generous support also helps advance our research efforts to further personalize care for patients battling cancer . We are honored by their friendship and that they chose to support the work we are doing with the TIOB at Baylor Scott & White .”

Together almost 54 years , Cathy and Jim enjoy spending time with a niece and her children —“ they ’ re like our children ,”

Cathy said — and taking in the beauty of the great outdoors through hiking , kayaking and snowshoeing .

“ We don ’ t golf together , which is probably a good thing !” she said . “ We laugh a lot together , especially because of my husband ’ s sense of humor !”

Cathy regularly visits the YMCA to swim and keep her body strong , and she stays involved in her cancer care . “ Traveling to doctors and educating myself about my treatments takes a large portion of my time ,” she said . Learning about lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies to supplement mainstream care are important to

– Cathy Gero her as a patient battling cancer , Cathy noted . “ You need to become responsible for yourself , but it ’ s hard because you have to have the time to do it .” She hopes that through her philanthropy , education will be more readily accessible to patients and their families .

“ Everybody goes through cancer differently , and it ’ s unpleasant , and things hurt and I ’ m losing the feeling in my hands , and there are certain things I can ’ t do anymore ,” Cathy lamented . “ But , with the grace of God , I ’ m moving forward with a sense of joy that is more consistent in my life than ever before . Jim and I have taken great pleasure in this process with Baylor Scott & White ; we ’ ve learned so much through the process , not only about the importance of giving but also the people we have met and how excited they are about a gift , whether it was $ 500 or millions . Jim often says he never knew that giving could be so much fun ! We should never discount the value of giving .

“ It has given me a great sense of joy to know that for people going forward , we may be able to make some sort of a difference in their lives ,” Cathy said . “ It ’ s really been an exciting journey .”

For more information on how you can support initiatives at Baylor Scott & White Health through a planned gift , please contact Cynthia Krause at 214.820.7928 or Cynthia . Krause @ BSWHealth . org .

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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2021