August 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer




Hi Friends,


As we transition from Summer into the crisp cool days of Fall, we remain committed to our mission of reducing barriers to screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. Whether you are connecting with us for life-saving screenings, seeking support or resources like a wig or post mastectomy bras, prostheses, and other supplies, or partnering with us as a donor, your involvement makes you a vital link to hope. Thank you for being an important part of our mission to make a difference in the lives of Kentuckians who need our help!


We are filling up team spots quickly; however, we are still looking for players and sponsors for our 2026 Links to Hope charity golf scramble coming up in September (details in flyer below). We're excited to switch things up this year and will be hosting our event at the University Club playing the Arthur Hills designed Big Blue Course.


Consider a sponsorship opportunity that helps us maximize our funding for the greatest impact for our mission.


As a reminder, we're pausing our Gilda's Club events for the summer months of July & August and will look forward to ramping up again in September! Stay tuned for some really fun Fall activities to come.


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!


"Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life."

-Mary Oliver



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...

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 "Link to Hope" segment, hear from Dr. Mark Evers, Director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. He shares details of the upcoming opening of their new, state-of-the-art cancer center and discusses the encouraging decline in national cancer mortality rates.


Click here to view segments!  

 

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Out & About

Melanie attended a Community Action wellness event at the Russell Center in Lexington on July 20th to educate the community on resources available from KCL an also to stress the importance of early detection through screenings.

Melissa recently presented to the ladies of General Federation of Women's Clubs Kentucky on July 24th, sharing information about the support services available from KCL and our mission. We're thankful for their support of our mission!

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

 

Seven-Layer Salad


This is the quintessential summer salad. It's always a big hit and it makes a lot so it's a great dish to make for a large group.


I believe a recipe should be simply a guide, so edit ingredients to suit your preferences.



Click here for recipe




Tomato Pie


If you have a big harvest of beautiful, red, ripe tomatoes- this is a southern classic recipe that will put those delicious tomatoes to good use.

It's really easy to prepare and is almost always a hit with even the pickiest eater.




Click here for recipe

Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches


This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, especially with school starting back soon.


These are great to make in bulk and easily freezable to grab and go when you need them in a hurry.




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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