September 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,

Fall is right around the corner, and eventually, the crisp autumn air will be on its way too. To quote Gretchen Rubin, "September is the other January."

With the changing of the seasons, September brings a renewed sense of purpose to our mission. The month of September is Gynecologic, Thyroid, Prostate, Blood and Childhood cancer awareness month. We pause to honor those who have been affected by these cancer types.

Our team witnesses the resilience of Kentuckians facing a cancer diagnosis, every day and with your continued support, we can continue removing the barriers and providing impactful resources that our friends and neighbors so desperately need.

Our 12th annual 2026 Links to Hope charity golf scramble is almost here! This year we'll be hosting our event at the University Club playing the Arthur Hills designed Big Blue Course. Thank you to our sponsors and our teams that are committed to support our mission by being a link to hope for Kentuckians.

We will resume our Gilda's Club Kentuckiana events this month with a crafty citrus stamping tea towel event. Bring a friend and let your creative juices flow. Snacks & materials will be provided. See event details in flyer below.

Your continued support helps us ensure no Kentuckian faces a cancer diagnosis alone. Consider a monthly gift and help us reach more individuals in need of screenings, transportation assistance through our gas card program, and patient support services like wigs, post-mastectomy items, & more. Every donation makes a difference and helps us sustain our programs. Click here to donate today!

Cheers,

Melissa

Save the Date!

Join us for our annual "Links to Hope" charity golf scramble coming up on Tuesday, September 15th!

Click here to register your team or for sponsorship opportunities!

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...

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.

WKYT - Link to Hope

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

In our most recent "Link to Hope" segment, meet a breast cancer survivor from Central Kentucky and learn how Kentucky CancerLink supports patients through its free wig program and other vital resources. Look for the segment to air soon!

Click here to view segments!

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Meet our Interns

Blake

Where are you from? I am from Lexington, KY and I'm a senior at Frederick Douglas High School.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend University somewhere (location TBD) to study Physical Therapy and to play volleyball.

What do you hope to learn from your internship with KCL? I want to enhance my communication skills and learn more about the impact of non-profit work.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky? I really love our downtown area of Lexington. I also love the University of KY campus and the Arboretum too.

Macy

Where are you from? I am originally from Bowling Green, KY.

What is your major? Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky.

What are your plans after graduation? I am planning to move back home to Bowling Green and pursue a career in the health education field.

What do you hope to learn from your internship with KCL? I hope to learn more about the barriers to care for cancer patients and the prevention side too.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky? Mammoth Cave is one of my favorite places. I really love the beauty of Lexington too.

Megan

Where are you from? I grew up in Cleveland, OH.

What is your major? I am a Clinical Leadership & Management major at the University of Kentucky.

What are your plans after graduation? I'm planning to head back home to Cleveland for an internship at Cleveland Clinic.

What do you hope to learn from your internship with KCL? I'm really excited to get a better understanding of non-profit work and the positive impact on rural communities.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky? Keeneland for sure and also the Arboretum.

Natalia

Where are you from? I am originally from Clay County, KY.

What is your major? I am a Public Health major with a minor in Substance Use Prevention at Eastern Kentucky University.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I plan to enroll in medical school and specialize in surgery

What do you hope to learn from your internship with KCL? I hope to learn more about the patient population in Kentucky and the impact of non-profit work.

What is your favorite part of Kentucky? I love being from Clay County and I love the mountains of Eastern KY.

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

Brown Butter Granola

This recipe involves brown butter and if you know you know how delicious anything is when the butter has been caramelized and beautifully browned.

Granola is a great snack that can be filling and nutritious & it is versatile-add to yogurt or just eat it by the handful.

Click here for recipe

Cast Iron Apple Crisp

This is an easy recipe to create if you're craving something sweet & you most likely have a lot of the ingredients on hand.

It includes apples and oats, so it has to be healthy, right? You can even substitute stevia or coconut sugar to make it less refined if you prefer.

Click here for recipe

Homemade Apple Cider

This recipe is a little more involved; however, I also feel like anything made at home simply tastes better.

You can use any variety of apples, and there is an option to use a crockpot for this recipe if you prefer.

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