April 2025

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer




Hi Friends,


Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons-the air starts to get a little warmer, the flowers and trees are beginning to bloom again signifying rebirth and a fresh start, and the sun starts to set a little later which means more time for outdoor activities.


At Kentucky CancerLink our devotion to supporting Kentuckians, affected by cancer or in need of cancer screenings, is truly the heart of our mission. Each day, we have the opportunity to witness the incredible strength of patients and their families, and we are inspired by their stories of resilience and hope. Their testimonials remind us of the incredible impact of our work and that no one is alone in this journey and that there's still so much work to do.


As we look ahead to upcoming events and initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement, we invite you to join us in the fight against cancer. Your participation is invaluable, whether through generous donations, attending one of our events, or even sharing your own experiences and how you have been touched by cancer.


Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer, ensuring that everyone feels supported and informed as they navigate this challenging path. Thanks for following along with us. We're so grateful for your support!




Cheers,


Melissa

Click on the links below for general information, risk factors, and more.


Click here for more information on esophageal cancer


Click here for more information on head & neck cancer


Click here for more information on testicular cancer





Please consider supporting our mission financially in 2025 so that we can continue mailing fuel cards to cancer patients with transportation barriers and providing free wigs and post mastectomy garments to women in need and to make the greatest impact in our communities throughout the Commonwealth. All of our donations stay local to help Kentuckians in need.


Your involvement can make a significant difference!

Every donation counts...

Click here to donate today

When you purchase gift cards for any occasion, through the link below, a portion of the proceeds benefit KY CancerLink.

Click here to shop over 200 different gift card options available

through RaiseRight.

Save the Date!

WKYT - Link to Hope

Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.


Our most recent segment features KCL patient navigator, Carla Washnock, and one of the patients she navigated to the KY Colon Cancer Screening & Prevention Program for an appointment that potentially saved his life.


Click here to view segments!  

 

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Board Member Spotlight!

KCL is excited to welcome to our board, Vanessa Webb-Brown. Vanessa is a dedicated Healthcare Education Coordinator at UK HealthCare CECentral, where she champions continuing professional development for healthcare professionals.


Born and raised in Lexington, Vanessa brings over 30 years of experience in medical education—yet her influence extends far beyond the conference room.


A proud breast cancer survivor of more than a decade, Vanessa is deeply committed to empowering women of color to take control of their health and advocate for themselves.


As the Fundraising Co-Chair for Colors of Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to community outreach and support, she plays a pivotal role in uplifting those affected by breast cancer. Having personally navigated the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, Vanessa understands the profound emotional and physical toll it takes on survivors and their loved ones.


Through advocacy, support, and a compassionate presence, she continuously seeks new ways to connect with and uplift women who hear the life-changing words, “You have breast cancer.” Vanessa’s experience fuels an unwavering commitment to ensuring no one faces this journey alone.



Grateful Patient

Virtual Tour!

Click here for a virtual tour of our KCL office!

Out and About

KY CancerLink staff had fun with "Dress in Blue Day" for colon cancer awareness on March 7th!

Melanie attended the KY Black Pride Women & Girl's Wellness event on Sat. Mar.8 in Lexington at the Black & Williams neighborhood center. There were lots of great conversations and stories of resilience & empowerment. We love opportunities to provide information, support and resources to our communities.

Melanie attended Baptist Health Lexington's community health fair at the North Lexington YMCA on Sat. Mar. 15. It was a wonderful event with a primary focus on colon cancer awareness which is recognized in March.

Syrena and Melissa attended a health fair at the First Baptist Church in Frankfort on March 26th to talk about programs and screening options. Was a fun afternoon of fellowship and education!

Melissa directed traffic at the Quarter Horse Marathon Relay at Whitehall Park in Richmond on Saturday, March 29th. It's a race like no other that supports Kentucky CancerLink. We are thankful for the annual support from RaceRise and look forward to this event every year!

Ways to GIVE BACK!

Did you know we have an Amazon wish list?


One of our greatest needs is $25 Visa gift cards we use to send to cancer patients to help them travel to and from treatment appointments.


Amazon gift cards, in any amount, help us purchase nutritional supplements, durable medical equipment, and other items to help patients who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis.


Click here to shop our Amazon wish list

Kroger Community Rewards
Support Kentucky CancerLink’s mission at your local grocery store! We are pleased to be a part of the Kroger Community Rewards program.

It’s easy!! Just go to: https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards to register your Kroger card. The ID#
for Kentucky CancerLink is TG249.

Delicious Ideas

Homemade Strawberry Preserves


Making your own fruit preserves is surprisingly easy and affordable and delicious too! Ideally, using fresh local fruit that's in season is the best.


May is the beginning of strawberry season in our area so add this to your list of ways to use up those beautiful red berries heading our way soon.


Click here for recipe!

Cheddar Chive Scones



These savory cheddar chive scones would be the perfect addition to any brunch gathering you are planning to host for the Easter holiday or a tea with friends.


Scones are similar to biscuits but denser. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea or as an afternoon snack.




Click here for recipe!

Bacon, Cheddar, & Ranch Chicken Salad


I don't know about you, but anything with cheese, bacon, or ranch has to be delicious in my humble opinion.


This is a savory chicken salad recipe that would be delicious served on mini croissants, a pretzel bun, or with a side of crackers & fruit. Be sure to prepare ahead of time, allowing the flavors to marry together.


Click here for recipe!

Link to Hope Podcast
Kentuckians need hope today. Link 2 Hope is a monthly podcast featuring community partners discussing ways to remove barriers for Kentuckians in need of screening, diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

New episodes available! Click HERE.
 
Is there a topic that you would like to hear about? Contact Melanie Hunter at melanieh@kycancerlink.org to share your ideas!
 
Thank you to our partner, RunSwitch PR!

Available on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts. Subscribe to be informed when new episodes are added!

Share your ideas and resources! Do you know of something that might be useful to the cancer community? Let us know, and we may share it in future publications.

Email Melanie Hunter at melanieh@kycancerlink.org

KENTUCKY CANCERLINK

2425 Regency Road, Suite B

Lexington, KY 40503

Phone: 859-309-1700

Toll-Free: 877-597-4655

Fax: 859-368-8418

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