January 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer


Hi Friends,


As we welcome 2026, we take a moment to pause and reflect to honor the resilience of individuals and families affected by cancer throughout our state. Kentucky continues to carry one of the highest cancer burdens in the nation. However, together, we're trying to change that story. Each completed screening, resource delivered, and each person supported is a reminder that progress is possible. Our impact is only possible because of supporters like you.


Here in Kentucky, too many of our friends and neighbors continue to face challenges of cancer without the support or resources they need. This is true for preventative screenings as well. That's why our mission of reducing barriers for prevention, through cancer screenings, and resources & support for patients remains our top priority in 2026.


With your continued support, we can make an even greater impact & ensure no Kentuckian faces a cancer diagnosis alone. Consider a monthly gift and help us reach more individuals in need of screenings, transportation assistance, and patient support services like wigs, post-surgical items, & more. Give hope today- every donation makes a difference Click here to donate today!


Stay tuned for our upcoming bourbon raffle fundraiser "Hope on the Rocks," beginning at the end of January, just in time for Valentine's Day! 💜


We're so grateful for your support and for believing in our mission. In the words of the late Jane Woodall "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."


Wishing you a prosperous, healthy new year with lots of opportunities to make a difference.


Cheers,


Melissa

Click here for information, from the National Cancer Institute, about risk factors and ways to prevent cervical cancer



Save the Date!


Please consider supporting our mission financially 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...

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.

WKYT - Link to Hope

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


In this month's segment, learn more about Kentucky CancerLink's recent partnership with Gilda's Club Kentuckiana, aimed at bringing support programs to individuals affected by cancer, in and around the Lexington area.


Click here to view segments!  

 

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Out & About

We had so much fun at our December expressive art activity for our Gilda's Club/KCL partner event. We're so grateful for this partnership and look forward to our 2026 event calendar. Stay tuned to see what's ahead!

Melissa and Melanie attended UK Healthcare's recent Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network meeting on December 12 in downtown Lexington for a full day of networking with our UK affiliate partners.

Our Kentucky CancerLink team enjoyed a celebration before the holidays with a delicious team lunch and a fun ornament exchange. We may be a small team but we're doing some mighty impactful work.

Grateful Patient

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

Click here to register your Kroger rewards card!

Delicious Ideas

Spa Smoothie


"Lemon juice gives a powerful punch of electrolytes. Mint is beneficial for added macronutrients and promotes improved digestion. Avocado provides skin-loving fats and vitamin E. Chia seeds are rich in fiber and feed the 'good bugs' in your gut as well as provide omega-3's."


Click here for recipe!


Healthier Hot Chocolate


A piping cup of hot chocolate is one of those must haves on a snowy, cold day. After all, one of the best parts of going out to play in the snow is the hot chocolate. This recipe is a healthier spin on the traditional cup of cocoa.




Click here for recipe!

Cowboy Queso


A new year means another chance to make positive changes in our health. This is a recipe that I usually have on rotation for lunch meal prep because it's loaded with lots of satiating fiber and protein and it's easy to prepare too.




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

860 Corporate Dr., Suite 103

Lexington, KY 40503

Phone: 859-309-1700

Toll-Free: 877-597-4655

Fax: 859-368-8418

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