HEALTHCARE ACCESS
Supporting initiatives that expand affordable, high-quality care.
EDUCATION
Empowering individuals through preventive health education, literacy, and professional development.
ARTS AND MUSIC
Recognizing their proven role in promoting mental health, resilience, and community cohesion.
GET TO KNOW US
The L-Y Family Foundation is committed to advancing research and enhancing the overall well-being of Indiana’s communities. Our work is grounded in the recognition of the inherent dignity of individuals, families, and communities, and guided by the principles of beneficence, equity, and respect for persons.
At the heart of our mission is a strong research focus: we study the social, biological, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. Through rigorous investigation, we generate knowledge that guides the development of effective, evidence-based interventions.
OUR TEAM
Alfredo Lopez Yunez M.D.
Founder & President of the Board
Neurologist, educator, and visionary whose career unites science, compassion, and community service. Born in Colombia, and trained at Javeriana University and Loyola University in Chicago, he founded Alivio Medical Center in Indiana with the belief that healthcare should be accessible, dignified, and filled with empathy. Through the Alivio Foundation and Alivio Medical Center, Dr. López-Yúnez has built programs that reach thousands—providing quality care, supporting education, and uplifting underserved communities in the U.S. and Latin America.
Luis A. Palacio, P.E., Ph.D.
Executive Director & CEO
Luis Palacio is a Bio-Physicist and a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Indiana. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Physics. As an engineer, he has worked for General Electric Power Conversion and Alivio Medical Center. As a scientist, he investigated the molecular structure of proteins that are associated with lung diseases and blood clotting. He has conducted research at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratories, and Indiana University. Luis has been an educator and industry consultant for over 15 years. Prior to joining LY Foundation in 2025, he served as Executive Director of DNOVA Institute. Luis is a community leader engaged in social benefit work through various organizations and institutions.
Annelise Pereira M.D.
Research Director
Physician and researcher trained at the Universidad de La Sabana in Colombia, who leads research initiatives with a passion for science that serves people. With experience in neuroscience and public health projects alongside the World Health Organization and the National Hispanic Medical Association, she focuses on transforming research into real impact for communities in the U.S. and Latin America. Her work embodies the Foundation’s mission—to connect knowledge, compassion, and care for a healthier, more equitable world.
RESEARCH LINES
Neurosciences
Diabetes and Metabolism
Longevity
Our neurosciences projects focus on advancing the understanding of brain function and developing innovative interventions for neurological and cognitive disorders. Areas of study include neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and brain–behavior interactions, with an emphasis on translational approaches that link research to clinical practice. These initiatives aim to improve health outcomes while also identifying, describing, and characterizing the demographic groups and populations most affected in Indiana and surrounding regions.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
RHYTHM AND WELLBEING: A MONTHLY SERIES OF LIVE PERFORMANCES, EXPERT TALKS AND ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF MUSIC ON HEALING
TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (TDCS) IN DEPRESSION, ATTENTION DEFICIT, AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT
INTERNATIONAL INICIATIVES
FUNDACIÓN POR TOLÚ: BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH EDUCATION, HOPE, AND COMMUNITY — EMPOWERING LOCAL FAMILIES IN COLOMBIA TO DREAM BEYOND BORDERS.
DONATIONS
You can choose to be a part of our organization by helping to futher the efforts through charitable donations to our different causes and projects.