February 2024
LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER
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A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer
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Hi Friends,
I hope that 2024 has started off well for you - for us at KCL, it's been very busy. We have had the opportunity to serve 212 Kentuckians in need of cancer screening or support during a cancer diagnosis with 324 services.
It's a privilege to get to do what we do.
As we interact with those we serve and continue to work to be a link to hope during their time of need, it never ceases to amaze me how resilient the people of Kentucky are.
This quote sticks out to me - "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
There are some folks across the Commonwealth facing a cancer diagnosis who have tied a knot and they are hanging on as tight as they can. The mission of Kentucky CancerLink is not possible at all without the support of our community members, health systems and businesses. Consider joining us in our mission.
We are currently looking for board members who share our vision and values, and who can contribute their skills, expertise, and time to help us achieve our goals. Please reach out to me (melissak@kycancerlink.org) to chat about the opportunity.
Also, we have several 2024 events that will be a fantastic time and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our mission. Take a look at ways that you can get involved - especially the upcoming Tennis/Pickleball event on Friday, 2/23.
Thank you so much for following along...
Cheers,
Melissa
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Screening and Cancer Support Services
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February is National Cancer Prevention Month. A few things we can all do, to help prevent a cancer diagnosis, is to refrain from using tobacco and/or vape products, avoid secondhand smoke, protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit red and processed meats and, perhaps, one of the most important- know your family history and stay up to date with cancer screenings.
Make your health a priority this year and get your screening appointments on the calendar!
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Thank you to Lexington Women for Good for the recent generous donation of $2,800 to help support our mission! We are grateful that you chose KCL as your spotlight non-profit organization of the quarter.
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Melissa attended the Junior League of Lexington's final meeting of 2023 for a check presentation event. KCL was one of only nine organizations chosen for grant funding in 2024. Thank you, Junior League of Lexington, for selecting us as one of the worthy organizations.
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KCL staff took some time this month to celebrate our fearless leader, Melissa, who had a birthday on Jan. 31. We enjoyed a fun team lunch together at the office to celebrate the occasion.
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Emily Mattingly
Where are you from? I'm from Washington County, KY.
What is your major? Clinical Leadership & Management at the University of KY.
What are your plans after graduation? After graduating, I plan to join the workforce to gain experience in the healthcare industry.
What do you hope to learn from your internship at KCL? I feel that I've already learned so much at KCL! Observing Carla with the patient navigation process, with the colon program, helped me decide my signature project for the semester. I do hope to learn more about the logistics of patient navigation as well as legislation involved in making the mission of KCL possible.
What is your favorite part of Kentucky? I love music, so my favorite thing about Kentucky is our music icons like Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, and more.
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Manisha Kandel
Where are you from? I was born & raised in Kathmandu, Nepal until I was 11. In 2012 I moved to the U.S. and have lived here since.
What is your major? My major is public health with a minor in substance use prevention at Eastern KY University.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to gain some experience in this field for a year and then pursue a master's in public health. I'm passionate about making a positive impact on the health & wellness of others and am also interested in healthcare policy and community health programs.
What do you hope to learn from your internship at KCL? I hope to learn a lot about providing support to individuals and families affected by cancer. It would be a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and understand the challenges faced by those experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
What is your favorite part of Kentucky? Kentucky is such a beautiful state. I love the beautiful nature and friendly people. I enjoy visiting Louisville, which is known for its vibrant food scene and the KY Derby.
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Reach out to Melanie Hunter at melanieh@kycancerlink.org or (859) 309-1700 for general questions about the Tennis & Pickleball event
and/or sponsorship opportunities.
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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.
for Kentucky CancerLink is TG249.
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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.
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Marry Me Chicken
"If your partner isn't already head over heels in love with you, this recipe just might do the trick." The combination of flavors in this recipe creates a savory sauce that elevates tender, juicy chicken breasts to another level. The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese flavors marry together beautifully making this a dish that won't be forgotten. Serve over a bed of rice or risotto for a real treat.
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Chocolate Cracker Toffee
I was introduced to this culinary delight by a dear friend of mine a few years ago and I've never forgotten how scrumptious it was. The simplicity of this treat is equally unforgettable-saltine crackers, chocolate chips, butter & brown sugar. This would make a delightful Valentine's Day treat for someone special or a sweet option for a super bowl party too. Add decorative candies or sprinkles to make it festive.
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Ina Garten's Pan Fried
Onion Dip
If you're looking for the perfect appetizer for your super bowl party, look no further. This super easy recipe is absolutely delicious and contains very few ingredients with no preservatives or unpronounceable additives. Pair with your favorite potato chips or fresh veggies and you're sure to score a touchdown with this recipe.
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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.
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!
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Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.
Amber recently interviewed Pamela Hull, PhD, Associate Director of Population Science and Community Impact at UK Markey Cancer Center, to discuss the importance of cervical cancer screening and prevention especially related to HPV.
THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!
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Thank you for being a link to hope!
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KENTUCKY CANCERLINK
2425 Regency Road, Suite B
Lexington, KY 40503
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Phone: 859-309-1700
Toll-Free: 877-597-4655
Fax: 859-368-8418
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