The Lexington Cancer Foundation presented a $1.2 million gift to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, completing the organization's $5 million commitment to the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building.
The gift, funded largely by proceeds from the Andrea Bocelli concert held at Rupp Arena in December 2025, was recognized during the UK women's basketball game against Ole Miss on Feb. 15. Lexington Cancer Foundation board member Lisa Mahan joined UK HealthCare representatives for a check presentation at center court.
The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, currently under construction, will serve as the future home of the UK Markey Cancer Center. The 550,000-square-foot facility will expand access to cancer treatment, improve patient outcomes and support research for patients and families across the Commonwealth.
"The Lexington Cancer Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout the Commonwealth," said Brenda Rice, founder and chair of the Lexington Cancer Foundation. "We are proud to complete this commitment to the new Markey Cancer Center building, which will bring a new era of advanced cancer research, treatment and services for all Kentuckians."
Markey is Kentucky's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of just 57 in the country. The designation gives patients access to the latest treatments and clinical trials offered only at NCI centers. Currently, Markey's outpatient services are located in six different areas across the UK Chandler Hospital campus. The new facility will bring Markey Cancer Center's outpatient clinics and oncology support services under one roof - providing convenience for patients and fostering collaboration among Markey clinicians and researchers.
The Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building and an adjacent 2,400-space parking structure are slated for completion in 2027.
