Supporting Markey One Gift at a Time
Through the generous giving of individuals, companies and organizations from our community, the UK Markey Cancer Foundation provides financial resources to assist and support patients in treatment at Markey.
Our Mission
The UK Markey Cancer Foundation is dedicated to supporting the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky's National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Gifts made to the UK Markey Cancer Foundation support patient and family assistance programs filling crucial gaps in the needs of people in cancer treatment and those in remission.
About the Foundation
We have an extensive legacy of working side by side with the UK Markey Cancer Center to support cancer patients.
Contact Our Team
Annual Reports
Explore past news stories and milestones, facts and figures, and patient stories from our annual reports.
About the Foundation
A Proud Legacy
The UK Markey Cancer Foundation’s legacy extends to the earliest days of the University of Kentucky’s quest to cure cancer. It was first incorporated as the Ephraim McDowell Cancer Research Foundation in 1978 through a $1 million philanthropic gift from Admiral Gene and Mrs. Lucille Parker Markey. That pivotal endowment set in motion the formation of a Board of Trustees and laid the groundwork for the development of the UK Markey Cancer Center, which today stands as Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
As the philanthropic arm of the UK Markey Cancer Center for nearly five decades, the Markey Cancer Foundation has raised more than $110 million to support patient care, research and key wraparound services. This funding has supported research grants, endowed faculty positions for leading researchers and clinicians, capital projects and facilities, and initiatives that strengthen cancer research, education and clinical care. Patient and family assistance programs supported by the foundation have made it easier for those facing cancer to get the treatment they need while Markey’s scientists search for cures.
Closer for a Cure
In 2026, the Markey Cancer Foundation Board voted to deepen its legacy of support through a gift to the UK Markey Cancer Center of $12.5 million, including $12 million for the creation a new endowed fund to support Markey’s work forging the future of cancer care.
This pivotal gift reflected a likewise pivotal moment for the foundation, as the Board finalized plans to merge its operations with the University of Kentucky Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. While the foundation continues to exist, it operates under a shared structure that promotes strategic alignment and efficient philanthropic efforts. This unified approach makes it possible to better serve the needs of the UK Markey Cancer Center and ultimately have a greater collective impact on cancer research and care.
Foundation Board
Alex Boone | Farra Alford | John Boardman | Cathy Jacobs | Daisy Phipps Pulito
Emeritus Board Members
Luther Deaton | Craig Collins | Jake Lemon
Contact Our Team
Michael Harders
President, UK Markey Cancer Foundation
Associate Vice President for Philanthropy - Health, UK Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
mikeharders@uky.edu
Kristi Martin
Philanthropy Executive Director, Cancer Programs, UK Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
kristi.martin@uky.edu
Ashley Hammond
Associate Director, Cancer Programs, UK Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
ashley.hammond@uky.edu
Amy Jo Morgan
Manager of Finance and Donor Relations, UK Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
amy.morgan1@uky.edu
Krystal Pasley
Data Coordinator, UK Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
krystal.pasley@uky.edu
General Inquiries
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