$10 million gift from Cynthia King and Jason and Julie Borrell launches center for Lynch Syndrome
Penn Medicine has announced the launch of the King Center for Lynch Syndrome, the world’s first named center dedicated to this hereditary cancer condition. The initiative was made possible through a $10 million gift from Cynthia King, the late Jeffery King, and Jason and Julie Borrelli.
The new center, based at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, will advance research, education, outreach, and patient care for the estimated 1.2 million Americans living with Lynch syndrome. This genetic condition raises the risk of several cancers, including colorectal and uterine cancers.
The King family’s philanthropy builds on their long-standing support for Lynch syndrome research at Penn. Over the past six years, the number of patients receiving specialized care has nearly tripled, with almost 1,000 individuals—many from across the Northeast—now treated through Penn Medicine’s program.
“Although Lynch syndrome is one of the most common genetic causes of cancer, many people who have it don’t know it,” said Dr. Bryson Katona, co-founder and executive director of the new King Center. “This transformative gift allows us to expand our research, lifelong care, and awareness efforts.”
The family’s commitment stems from personal experience. Jeffery King learned of his Lynch syndrome mutation while battling his second related cancer later in life. His daughter, Julie Borrelli, was tested earlier and has started a preventive care plan. “Early detection and regular surveillance have dramatically changed my path,” she said. “Our hope is that the King Center will give others the same knowledge and support that transformed our family’s outlook.”
Dr. Robert Vonderheide, director of the Abramson Cancer Center, praised the family’s leadership and added that their contribution will accelerate advancements in early detection, surveillance, and care for those at increased risk of inherited cancer.
Lynch syndrome results from a mutation in one of several genes involved in DNA repair. Carriers face a significantly higher lifetime risk—up to 60% for some cancers—compared with the general population. Because it can affect multiple organs, patients need coordinated, expert-led care tailored to their individual risk.
The King Center will expand educational programs, grow clinical research, and enhance Penn’s biobank, which already houses more than 1,200 blood samples from participating patients. Over 400 individuals with Lynch syndrome are enrolled in Penn studies exploring how genetic and immune factors influence cancer development. “Our patients and families are vital partners in this research,” said Dr. E. John Wherry, co-founder of the King Center. “Together, we’re learning how to personalize cancer prevention and treatment even further.”
Jason and Julie Borrelli, both Penn State graduates, lead active professional and philanthropic lives. Jason, an aerospace engineer who began his career at NASA, now serves as managing director for property operations at EQT/Exeter, a private equity real estate investment firm. He also chairs Penn State’s Smeal College of Business Real Estate Advisory Board. Julie, who studied hotel and institutional management at Penn State, has served as chair of the Abramson Cancer Center Director’s Leadership Council since 2023. The couple was honored in 2024 as Penn State University Philanthropists of the Year.
Jeffery King, co-founder and president of National Properties, Inc. in Malvern, Pennsylvania, was a loyal Penn State alumnus and a strong advocate for education, community, and economic development. He and his wife, Cynthia, established the Jeffery and Cynthia King Family Foundation and supported new professorships and endowments across multiple Penn State colleges. Cynthia, who was named Penn State’s Fundraising Volunteer of the Year in 2017, continues to serve as a presidential counselor and an active community volunteer.
Jeffery King’s legacy endures through the King Center for Lynch Syndrome and the Jeffery and Cynthia King Professorship in Lynch Syndrome Research, held by Dr. Katona, ensuring their family’s ongoing impact on cancer prevention and care.