Covington, KY — October 15, 2026 — Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
is proud to announce the establishment of the Lemen Family Cancer Initiative, a philanthropic
fund dedicated to advancing cancer research and supporting emerging life sciences companies in
Kentucky.
The fund will help startup companies conducting cancer research access the equipment, facilities,
and resources needed to advance their work. Through a partnership with LifeSciKY, the initiative
will provide subsidized rent for incubator space, access to shared equipment, and funding for
additional research equipment as needs arise.
The fund was established by Wendy and Eric Lemen and their families to honor loved ones lost
to cancer, including both of their mothers, and to support individuals currently facing the disease.
Following Wendy’s own cancer diagnosis in June, the family’s longstanding desire to establish a
philanthropic fund took on a renewed sense of purpose.
“Kentucky faces a significant cancer burden, and we believe there is an opportunity to make a
meaningful difference through research and innovation,” said Wendy, lab services coordinator for
LifeSciKY. “Our hope is that this fund will grow over time, helping researchers pursue new
discoveries, improve prevention efforts, and ultimately contribute to finding cures. We want this
initiative to have an impact for generations to come.”
Kentucky continues to face challenges as the leading state with the highest cancer rates,
including breast and prostate cancer. The Lemen Family Cancer Initiative aims to help
researchers better understand these cancers while supporting scientific advancements that could
lead to improved prevention, treatment, and outcomes.
“Philanthropic initiatives like the Lemen Family Cancer Initiative demonstrate how personal
passion can translate into meaningful, lasting community impact,” said Nancy Grayson,
President and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky. “By investing in
cancer research and supporting emerging companies, the Lemen family is helping create
opportunities for scientific discovery, innovation, and hope for individuals and families affected
by cancer. We are honored to help bring their vision to life and look forward to the impact this
fund will make for generations to come.”
In addition to advancing cancer research, the fund is expected to benefit the Northern Kentucky
economy by attracting new life sciences companies to LifeSciKY’s incubator and creating
potential employment opportunities for local scientists.
Through philanthropic partnerships and community investment, Horizon Community Foundation
works to connect generous donors with meaningful opportunities to strengthen Northern
Kentucky and address the region’s most pressing needs.
About Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
Horizon Community Foundation connects people with purpose by helping individuals, families,
businesses, and nonprofits achieve their charitable goals and invest in the future of Northern
Kentucky. Since its founding in 2017, Horizon has united resources, inspired generosity, and
fostered meaningful partnerships to strengthen the region through strategic philanthropy,
collaborative leadership, and grantmaking. Through these efforts, Horizon helps donors support
the causes they care about most and creates lasting, positive change across Northern Kentucky.
About LifeSciKY
LifeSciKY is a Covington-based nonprofit lab incubator that opened for operations in December
2025 and is dedicated to accelerating science, entrepreneurship, education, and economic
development. From affordable lab space and state-of-the-art equipment to collaborative
partnerships and networking opportunities, LifeSciKY empowers innovators with the critical
resources and connections they need to bring their groundbreaking work to life. To learn more,
visit LifeSciKY.com.
