June 2025

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,

Summer is in full swing and we're here for it! Don't forget to apply sunscreen if you're planning to be out in the sun for long periods of time.

We are hosting our 11th annual Links to Hope golf scramble this year on September 15th at Champions golf course again and we are looking for sponsors for our event. Reach out to Melanie, if you're interested in these opportunities and/or want to secure your team spot. Save the date and stay tuned for more information to come.

Be sure to check out our latest Link to Hope podcast (link can be found below in the podcast section of our newsletter) featuring our newly elected board president, Drew Perry. You'll also hear from myself and outreach director, Melanie, as we share some updates on the impactful work being done here at KCL.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our Kentucky communities and can only do that through the generosity of others.

Thank you for staying connected! Let's continue to work together to be a link to hope for our fellow Kentuckians!

Cheers,

Melissa

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.

Meet our Interns!

Jamica Bryant

Where are you from?

Lincoln County

What is your major?

I'll be graduating this summer from EKU with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to move to the Chicago area to pursue a career in public health with a focus on family & women's health

What do you hope to learn from your internship at KCL?

I hope to gain a greater understanding of how nonprofit and community organizations, especially KY CancerLink, address issues within underserved communities. I also hope to strengthen my skills in patient navigation and community outreach which will benefit me later in my career.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky?

Definitely the Southern hospitality. I've traveled all over and have learned that it's not everywhere.

Logan Head

Where are you from?

Lexington

What is your major?

Public Policy

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, my goal is to pursue law school to obtain my J.D.

What do you hope to learn from your internship at KCL?

I hope to gain firsthand experience with non-profit work and learn more about the impact that non-profits have in our local communities and beyond.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky?

My favorite part of KY is driving on the backroads of Central KY, specifically by the beautiful rolling hills and all the gorgeous horse farms in our area.

Thank you!

Save the Date!

WKYT - Link to Hope

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

Learn how one local Lexington business is helping folks, especially breast cancer survivors, feel whole again.

Click here to view segments!

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Grateful Patient

Virtual Tour!

Click here for a virtual tour of our KCL office!

Out and About

KCL's charity pickleball fundraiser was a success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support us, including KCL board members & staff, and to our generous local businesses & individuals who donated items for our silent auction. A very special thanks to The Lexington Tennis Club at Genesis Health Clubs for hosting us.💜

Melanie attended the Harrison County Community Health Fair on May 29th at Harrison County Middle School in Cynthiana. Melanie was there to offer education on KCL resources & support available to those affected by cancer or in need of screenings. She was additionally able to offer take-home FITS for eligible individuals.

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

Strawberry Lime Mocktail

This refreshing mocktail is easy to make and

appropriatefor all ages.

Using fresh ingredients like strawberries, lime juice, and orange juice, this recipe is a great offering

Click here for recipe!

Grilled Shrimp Bowl

This quintessential summer dish provides lots of protein and the avocado and corn are a great source of fiber too.

Opt to grill the shrimp outdoors and you won't heat up your kitchen in the heat of summer-added bonus.

Click here for recipe!

Summer Caprese Salad

Caprese salads are a summer staple in our house. The crispness of the cucumbers combined with the flavors of basil, fresh mozzarella, and tomatoes are a winning combination.

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