Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation

08/23/2025

Since 2000, Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF) has been dedicated to advancing cancer-related research, prevention and treatment as well as providing informative support to cancer patients and their families throughout the Kentuckiana area. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves the Louisville Metropolitan area.
Recently we celebrated the second annual scholarship awards dinner at which time four scholarships, and one service grant was given.

08/18/2025

Tessa Nielsen of Louisville, Kentucky also received a $3,750 scholarship to pursue her studies at Spalding University. Nielsen is pursuing a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Spalding University. This career path was somewhat chosen for Nielsen as she is a cancer survivor herself, having survived rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 4. “Cancer changed my life, but it gave me a sense of direction. Now I want to use my experience to make things a little easier for others,” she states.
Congratulations to Tessa from all of us at KCRF!

08/15/2025

Congratulations to Victoria Yeakle of Louisville, Kentucky. Yeakle is pursuing a Master’s of Physician Assistant at Sullivan University. She is currently the Vice President of the Student Academy of the American Academy of PA. Yeakle also stressed that her career path is more than a profession, it is a calling to assist other, something Dr. La Rocca, Founder and Chairperson of KCRF, echoed with very much.
It is our honor to recognize and support Ms. Yeakle with a $3,750 scholarship.

08/13/2025

Congratulations to Annie Gowan of Indianapolis, Indiana, a first-year medical student at Indiana University. Gowan received a $7,500 scholarship to apply towards her medical school tuition. Her focus and passion are to become a physician specializing in the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry, and oncology. “My passion for cancer care and neuroscience began with a tragedy. In high school, I lost friend to glioblastoma multiforme,” she writes. The grief she felt was overwhelming. This led to her commitment to a career that merges scientific discovery with human connection.
It is our honor to recognize and support Ms. Gowan with this $7,500 scholarship.

08/11/2025

Congratulations to Mout-Maine Moustapha of Indianapolis, Indiana. Moustapha received a $7,500 scholarship to apply towards his studies at Indiana University School of Medicine.
As a result of his mother’s cancer journey, he became dedicated to an eventual career in surgical oncology, focusing on pancreatic cancer.
His professors are highly complementary regarding his abilities. Moustapha also now serves as Class President of his medical school class and Vice President of the Student National Medical Association.
We are pleased to recognize Moustapha with this scholarship award.

08/08/2025

Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its second annual scholarship program. This scholarship program exemplifies our commitment to fostering education and supporting outstanding individuals pursuing a career in cancer care.

The scholarships, awarded annually in July are available to residents both of Kentucky and Indiana who attend an educational institution and are pursuing a career in a cancer related field. Following careful consideration and a rigorous selection process, four remarkable individuals were chosen from a large pool of applicants. Recipients were selected based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership ability and financial need.

Anne Gowan, Indiana University, School of Medicine, $7,500
Mout-Maine Moustapha, Indiana University, School of Medicine, $7,500
Tessa Nielsen, Spalding University, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, $3,750
Victoria Yeakle, Sullivan University, Master’s of Physician Assistant, $3,750

“We are honored and delighted to make a small positive impact in this community and in cancer care by supporting the development of future professionals that will make meaningful contributions to cancer medicine and research,” stated Dr. Renato La Rocca, founder, and chairman of KCRF.

The application process for Scholarships in 2025 will begin in March 2025. Please visit our website for information.
Photos courtesy of Tony Bennett Photography.

07/30/2025

One of the longstanding efforts of KCRF has been to support patients’ needs at the Cancer Center at Baptist Hospital campuses throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

On 16 July 2025, KCRF awarded Baptist Health Foundation a $25,000 Service Grant to further augment their delivery of quality, passionate care.

“The investment made by KCRF has had a profound impact on cancer patients at Baptist Health Louisville. Thanks to generous donations made each year, many barriers to care have been removed enabling our patients to focus on what matters most – their health,” said Justin Leighty, Executive Director of Baptist Health Foundation Greater Louisville.

04/13/2025

KCRF awards grants that align and aid in advancement of the Mission and Vision of the Foundation.
Grants should impact the lives of residents residing in Kentucky or Indiana.
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)3 non-profit entities including schools, health agencies, faith-based organizations, and service organizations. The organization does not fund individuals, previously funded applicants that have not provided requested reports, organizations that are in poor or unacceptable status with Secretary of State, organizations that have filed bankruptcy, and organizations who submit past due or incomplete applications.

https://kcrf.org/grants/

04/13/2025

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2025. All applications must be postmarked by this date to be considered. All
criteria and application can be found at our website.

Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation Scholarships Kentuckiana Cancer Research Foundation (KCRF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its first annual scholarship program. This scholarship program exemplifies our commitment to fostering education and supporting outstanding individuals pursuing....

04/04/2025

Are you considering a career in a cancer-related field? If so, please apply for the KCRF Scholarship. All criteria and application can be found at our website.
The deadline for applications is fast approaching, April 15, 2025.
https://kcrf.org/scholarships

03/22/2025

Are you considering a career in a cancer-related field? If so, please apply for the KCRF Scholarship. All criteria and application can be found at our website.
https://kcrf.org/scholarships