October 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer




Hi Friends,


Fall is here and hope is in full swing! October is breast cancer awareness month- a time when the color pink fills our communities, walks and races take place to commemorate those touched by the disease, and conversations turn to the importance of screening and early detection. October is also liver cancer awareness month. We pause to remember and honor those who have been affected by these cancer types.


We know that awareness is only the first step. The magic happens when awareness turns into action. Every day our certified patient navigators work with Kentuckians to eliminate barriers that many often face after a cancer diagnosis. Whether it's connecting someone to a no-cost screening, providing free post mastectomy supplies, or a dignifying wig, our promise remains the same: no one fights alone.


Our 2026 Links to Hope charity golf scramble was a success! Thank you to our sponsors and our teams that are committed to support our mission. We appreciate you so very much!


Get ready for cozy fall crafting at our October Gilda's Club Kentuckiana event! This month we're making adorable sock pumpkins. Bring a friend, unleash your creativity, and take home a fun holiday craft. Snacks and materials are provided. See event details in flyer below.


Your continued support helps us ensure no Kentuckian faces a cancer diagnosis alone. Consider a one-time or 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!


"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald


Cheers,


Melissa

 

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 our most recent "Link to Hope" segment, meet a prostate cancer survivor from Central Kentucky, one of our own board members, and learn about his personal journey and how early detection can save lives.


Click here to view segments!  

 

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Out and About

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our 12th annual Links to Hope charity golf scramble on September 15th. Thank you for enduring the brutal heat, thank you for supporting us generously, but most of all THANK YOU for believing in our mission. Whether you donated your time, resources, or talents, we are so very grateful for each and every one of you. Special thanks to the University Club of Kentucky for hosting us.


Thank you, KEMI, for having us at your "Wellness Rocks" employee health fair on September 23rd in Lexington. Our director of community outreach attended this fun event where employees and health fair vendors were invited to wear their favorite concert/band t-shirt.

We hosted our September Gilda's Club Kentuckiana collaboration event with a fun citrus-stamping party! Everyone had a wonderful time carefully crafting and curating unique, custom tea towels to take home and enjoy. Be sure to join us this month where we'll be creating adorable sock pumpkins to decorate for fall.

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

 

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili


This is a great easy recipe for someone on the go. Add the ingredients to your crockpot and dinner will be ready with very little effort.


Pumpkin is the secret ingredient and with tons of vitamin A which helps support vision, your immune system, and healthy skin.




Click here for recipe




Pumpkin Protein Smoothie


This could be considered the PSL of protein smoothies and if you're a pumpkin girlie (or fella) this recipe is for you.


With just a few simple ingredients, this healthy treat may help you reach your protein goal at the end of the day. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon to make it extra festive & flavorful.


Click here for recipe

Pumpkin Muffins


These pumpkin muffins are a sweet treat substituting coconut sugar for refined white sugar and Greek yogurt for a boost of satiating protein.


You could also substitute gluten free flour and add chocolate chips too. Either way, these are sure to delight.



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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