June 2026

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,

June is National Cancer Survivors month- a time to celebrate strength, hope, and healing. This month we honor the courage of those battling the disease, celebrate those in remission, and stand with the families who support them. Honor survivors by wearing purple on June 7th, National Cancer Survivor's Day.

Save the date 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 which helps us keep the event costs down and helps us maximize our funding for the greatest impact for our mission.

Mark your calendars for our June Gilda's Club event- we're painting rocks to hide in the community to brighten someone's day and to keep for yourself. No experience needed. See details in the 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!

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 about the importance of sun safety and the dangers of melanoma from Dr. Ahmed Al Bayati of Kirn Plastic Surgery Center and hear a message of caution from a local Lexington band director.

Click here to view segments!

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Out & About

Our "Dink for Hope" pickleball fundraiser was a success! Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fun night to raise money for our mission. We appreciate your support and for being a link to hope for all Kentuckians. Special thanks to Dr. Kimberly Stigers for helping us plan the event and recruit players and Brenda McCray for assisting us in coordinating play. And to PKL Lex for hosting us in their beautiful space. If you're looking for a fun place to play, definitely check them out. They're top notch.

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

Dole Whip Popsicles

Popsicles are so easy to make and very inexpensive too. With just a few easy ingredients you can make them at home with your family and enjoy a summer treat with no long list of ingredients that you can't even pronounce.

Click here for recipe

Lemon Shake Up

Lemon shake ups always remind me of the county fair. They're one of my favorite fair/festival treats and they're so easy to make. If you have water, lemons, and sugar, you're in business. *You could also substitute Stevia or Monk fruit for a healthier version.

Click here for recipe

Taco Salad

Summer salads are truly the best. You get to use all the fresh produce in season, and you don't have to heat up the oven in the hot summer as an added bonus.

This recipe uses sour cream and a salsa mixture for the dressing, but ranch dressing would be delicious too.

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