BRCA Initiatives

Men and women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation are at increased risk for developing certain cancers including breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers. In partnership with the Basser Center for BRCA and leading researchers and world-class cancer institutions across the country, the Gray Foundation is advancing research and awareness. Our cross-institutional collaboration is transforming prevention and treatment for individuals and families affected by BRCA mutations.

FEATURED INITIATIVES

In 2012, Mindy and Jon Gray made a transformative gift to establish the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. To date the Grays have committed more than $100 million to advance its work and mission.  The Basser Center was named in honor of Faith Basser, Mindy’s sister, who passed away at age 44 from BRCA-related ovarian cancer.  The Basser Center is the global leader in funding research, education and care for individuals and their families living with BRCA1/2 mutations.

The Gray Foundation supports the research of leading physicians and scientists who are focused on the prevention, interception and early detection of BRCA-related cancers.  Our funding also promotes and facilitates collaboration across world-class institutions. In 2019, the Foundation awarded $25 million in funding to 7 multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary research teams. In 2023, the Foundation announced a second round of BRCA Team Science grants to 7 research teams.  The new $25 million commitment enables these groups to build upon breakthroughs, identify remaining challenges, and refine topics to maximize their collective impact.

Team Science Partners