EDGEWOOD, Ky. — St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Cancer Center received a $10 million donation from the Yung Family Foundation, which will help promote access to quality cancer care and support groundbreaking research initiatives. 

Matthew Kurian, St. Elizabeth medical oncologist, said the donation will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide the best possible care. He has been with the hospital for a year. 

"My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her 40s," Kurian said. "She underwent surgery, radiation and hormone treatment and did well for about 10 years but unfortunately developed stage four disease and succumbed to that." 

Kurian, who is now four years into his career, said he takes pride in helping northern Kentucky residents get high-quality care. The donation will not only improve patient care but also boost the hospital’s research capacity.

“This will help us become a premium cancer center,” Kurian said.

The need for expanded cancer care in Kentucky is critical. Data from the American Cancer Society reveal Kentucky has the highest overall cancer incidence and death rates in the U.S. The state also leads the nation in lung cancer and colorectal cancer incidence and death. 

“The numbers rising and in the number of cases that we see as well ... we have to change our approach in terms of how we're looking at some of those patients as well," Kurian said. 

Thanks to the donation, St. Elizabeth Healthcare will now have more resources to support both physical treatment and research efforts. To celebrate, the cancer center will be renamed in honor of the Yung Family. The donation marks the largest in the center’s history, as it also commemorates its fourth anniversary.