July 2024

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,


Summer is in full swing! “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler


It's amazing how quickly the year is going by. We continue to work hard making a difference in the lives of Kentuckians and strive to finish the year strong!


You'll see below, in the Out and About section, Melanie involved in a number of community engagement events providing education and awareness of Kentucky CancerLink and our mission. The words we hate to hear are "I wish I knew about you when..." We definitely don't want to be the best kept secret!


We are in the home stretch in planning our 10th Annual Links to Hope Golf Scramble that will take place this September at Keene Trace Golf Club - Champions course. We still have a couple of sponsorship opportunities available for Lunch and Prize sponsor. We'd love to include you in this great event!


Thanks for following along and joining us we continue to work together to be a link to hope to Kentuckians!


Have a safe and happy 4th!


Cheers,


Melissa

About us
Screening and Cancer Support Services

Cancer Awareness

For information, including risk factors and more, about sarcoma and bladder cancer-click the links below:


click here for more information on bladder cancer


click here for more information on soft tissue sarcoma


Thank You!

Thank you Expree Credit Union in Frankfort for being a link to hope for Kentuckians. Your recent generous donation helps us continue our mission and we appreciate you!

Out and About

Melanie attended the Pulaski County Health, Wellness, & Resource Fair in Somerset on June 8th to offer cancer screening information and to educate participants on how KCL can support those facing a cancer diagnosis.

Melanie attended the Community is Stronger than Cancer Day hosted by Gilda's Club Kentuckiana in Louisville on Sat. June 22nd. The event featured health & wellness and art activities and lots of networking. It was an excellent opportunity to educate participants on services and programs offered by KCL. We're grateful for all the resources available to Kentuckians affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Melanie, and our summer intern, Pratibha, attended Community Action Council's West End Community Resource Fair on Monday, June 24th in Lexington. It was a wonderful opportunity to provide screening information and an option for eligible participants to take home an OC Light FIT, a test for the detection of blood which could lead to a colon cancer diagnosis.

Meet our Intern


 

Pratibha Kafle


Where are you from? I'm originally from Nepal. I live in Lexington currently.

 

What is your major?  Public Health at Eastern Kentucky University. 

 

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to work for a year and then continue my education by pursuing my MPH (Master of Public Health.)

 

What do you hope to learn from your summer internship at KCL? During my internship at Kentucky Cancer Link (KCL), I hope to gain hands-on experience in providing support services to cancer patients. I aim to learn more about the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families and how to address these challenges effectively. Additionally, I hope to enhance my understanding of community outreach and public health advocacy related to cancer prevention and care.

 

What is your favorite part of Kentucky? My favorite part of Kentucky is the natural beauty, especially the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. I also enjoy the vibrant community in Lexington, the rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of the people.

UPCOMING EVENT!
Ways to GIVE BACK!
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.
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

Friend for Life Cancer Support Network is currently seeking cancer survivors and caregivers to become Peer Navigators - trained volunteers who provide one-to-one emotional support to others facing a similar experience. 


As a refresher, Friend for Life Cancer Support Network was founded in Kentucky in 1988 and provides cost-free, one-to-one emotional peer support provided by cancer survivors and caregivers trained by medical professionals. Being able to talk with a regular person who's "been there" has been shown to reduce isolation, depression and anxiety and improve overall quality of life for those going through cancer.


What we look for in a Peer Navigator:

The ideal Peer Navigator is someone who is self-motivated and responsible, an attentive listener who is considerate and respectful of others. We require prospective volunteers to complete a professionally directed training program before undertaking their role. Peer Navigators function largely on their own, with minimal direct supervision.


Steps to Become a Peer Navigator:

Complete application form

Provide physician reference (not required for caregivers)

 Provide personal reference (someone who knows you well, preferably not family)

Complete training (online modules) or potentially a live training

 Interview with organization staff (via Zoom or phone)


For more information, call (502) 893-0643 or www.friend4life.org


Delicious Ideas

Grilled Salmon Foil Packet


When the weather heats up outside, cooking outdoors is a great option to prepare dinner in order to avoid heating things up indoors.


This foil packet salmon recipe is easy and delicious and makes clean up a breeze.


I love using recipes as a guide, so season as you wish to create a healthy, delicious meal. I love to add a dollop of herb butter to my packet for extra flavor.




click here for recipe

Summer Veggie Sauté


Fresh, seasonal vegetables are truly one of the best parts of summer, in my opinion, and this is one of my favorite recipes to prepare.


Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand and that need to be used up. It's a great way to "clean out the fridge."


I like to use fresh garlic, tomatoes, squash and/or zucchini & onion and top with freshly grated parmesan and fresh or dried herbs.



click here for recipe

Watermelon Slush


This refreshing treat is a delicious way to cool off on a hot summer day and it's kid friendly too.


Just a few ingredients added to a blender or food processor creates the perfect summer refresher in a snap. Garnish with lime or a sprig of mint for an extra delight.


Watermelon contains lycopene that can help protect against inflammation and lots of water & fiber which hydrates and keeps us feeling full.


click here for the 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!
WKYT - Link to Hope

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


Our most recent story highlights our patient services program, providing hope, confidence & dignity for Kentuckians affected by a cancer diagnosis through support and resources like wigs, head coverings, post mastectomy supplies, fuel cards & more.


Click here to view segments!  

 

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Every donation counts...

Use the QR code or visit kycancerlink.org


Thank you for being a link to hope!

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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