May 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,

This month, we're excited to host our annual pickleball fundraiser, "Dink for Hope." The event will be held at PKL Lex on Thursday, May 28th from 7-9pm! We still have spots available so sign up today to support our mission while catching up with friends and getting some play time in. Be sure to check out the links in the graphic below for more information.

There is also an opportunity to support Kentucky CancerLink through Kentucky Gives Day 2026! The main day is Tuesday, May 12th, however you can go ahead and make a donation HERE! It is much appreciated!!

Save the date for our 2026 Links to Hope charity golf scramble coming up in September (details in flyer below). Consider a sponsorship opportunity which helps us keep the event costs down and helps us maximize our funding for the greatest impact for our mission.

Since our pickleball event date coincides with our Gilda's Club events, we will not be hosting a May event but stay tuned for future events.

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

Click here for more information, from the American Cancer Society, about risk factors and ways to prevent these and other cancer types.

Save the Date!

Click here to make an early donation for KY Gives Day! 💜

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 this month's segment, learn how Gilda's Club Kentuckiana and Kentucky CancerLink are linking together to bring therapeutic services to the Central Kentucky area for anyone affected by cancer.

Click here to view segments!

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Out & About

Kentucky CancerLink and Gilda's Club Kentuckiana enjoyed a fun night creating art at our April Go with the Flow ice painting event.

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

Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Strawberries are finally in season in our area, and this healthy, delicious recipe is a great way to get your protein intake up.

With just a few simple whole food ingredients, you're going to love this low calorie/high protein treat.

Click here for recipe

Hot Brown Sliders

Honestly, anything served on a delicious Hawaiian roll is a "yes, please" for me and this twist on a classic Derby Day tradition is so tasty.

You can even prepare these ahead of time and bake when you're ready. They are freezable as well.

Click here for recipe

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Yet another delicious way to use those fresh, in season strawberries and it's super simple too.

This recipe is also perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.

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