April 2023
LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER
Kentucky CancerLink is a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce and/or eliminate barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. We work alongside Kentuckians in need of life-saving cancer screenings or in need of support while on a cancer journey. We strive to be a link to hope...
Greetings from the Executive Director
Hi Friends,

March definitely came in like a lion and really stayed that way till the very end with many opportunities to be out and about making sure Kentuckians are getting screened for colon cancer. Check out our Out and About section to see what we were up to!

Our Link to Hope Tennis and Pickleball event is rescheduled for Friday, April 14 - see below for details on how to get involved. Even if you don't play, you're welcome to join us for dinner provided by Chicken Salad Chick and participate in our awesome silent auction.

While we have been so very busy, we often take time as a team to come together and reflect on why we do what we do. It's our honor to be able to serve our fellow Kentuckians through our mission to be a link to hope.

Thanks for following along...

Cheers!

Melissa
We appreciate the grant award from the Lexington Cancer Foundation to go towards our direct patient support services!
Save the Date!
#KYGives23
On Tuesday, May 9, show your support for Kentucky CancerLink by donating to our mission to help us support Kentuckians in need of potential life-saving cancer screenings or those experiencing a cancer diagnosis. Be sure to use #KYGives23 in your social media posts. Over the last few months, we've received a substantial amount of referrals, and the need has never been greater. A little adds up a lot and no amount is too small. Let's show KY how generous we are!
Out & About
Melissa and Melanie attended Commerce Lexington's EMERGE conference on March 7, for a full day of networking, engaging keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, and discovering new and innovative ways to better connect and impact our communities.

The staff at KCL (along with 2 of our amazing interns) participated in dress in blue day for colorectal cancer awareness month in March. It's estimated that in 2023, 153,000 people will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. Make yourself a priority and schedule your screening today if it's time!
Melissa and Melanie had the opportunity to speak with Emani Payne from Fox 56, last month, to raise awareness of the importance of screenings and early detection for colon cancer.
Melanie, our director of community outreach, had the opportunity to speak with several staff at the AppHarvest plant in Richmond, as well as the corporate office in downtown Lexington, about the importance of early detection and screening for not only colon cancer but all types of cancer. She was also able to educate staff on other services KCL can provide to those experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
Melissa and Melanie attended "For the Family", a colon cancer awareness & education event, on Mar. 25 at Community Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville in collaboration with our partners & friends, Elizabeth Holtsclaw from the American Cancer Society and Dr. Aaron Kruse-Diehr from the University of KY Markey Cancer Center.
Melanie and our KCL intern, Nicole, attended a health & wellness event on Sun., Mar. 26 at First Baptist Church Bracktown in Lexington. The event followed the worship service and was well attended. Melanie & Nicole had the opportunity to have some great conversations about the importance of early detection and screening especially for colon cancer.
KCL staff, Gabby, Syrena, & Carla volunteered at the Quarter Horse Marathon Relay in Richmond on Sat., Mar. 25th. The race benefits KY CancerLink and we are so grateful to RaceRise owner, Bob Baney for the annual support of our mission!
Our executive director, Melissa, had the opportunity to serve as a panel member for UK Healthcare's Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council's "Crucial Conversations" discussion on Mar. 28th. Together with many other impactful community members, the discussion focused on the importance of colon cancer screenings for underserved Kentuckians.
Melanie attended a health & wellness event on Mar. 29th at the Lloyd M. Hall Community Center in Magoffin County. Melanie was there to provide free FITS, an at-home option for colon cancer detection, to eligible individuals and also provide education on programs and services available to community members from KY CancerLink.
Melissa & Melanie had the opportunity to speak with Jim Caldwell & India Jones on WKYT's Everyday Kentucky show to highlight our upcoming Tennis & Pickleball event on April 14th! Thank you WKYT for your continued support of our mission.

Ways to GIVE BACK!
Kroger Community Rewards
Support Kentucky CancerLink’s mission at your local grocery store! We are pleased to be a part of the Kroger Community Rewards program.

It’s easy!! Just go to: https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards to register your Kroger card. The ID#
for Kentucky CancerLink is TG249.

“Hats for Hope”  $25
Purchase a limited edition KCL hat with our signature logo and support our mission. *Purchase is tax deductible


All donations will be used to fund our
Patient Needs and Gas Card Program! #linkthope
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
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

In this recipe, brussels sprouts are halved and tossed with a savory mix of parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper, then roasted on a single sheet pan. It's perfect for holiday dinners and super healthy for your everyday meals. You can even make an extra batch because these roasted Brussels sprouts are simply addictive.



Croissant Egg & Cheese Bake


This is the perfect recipe to feed a hungry group. You can omit or add ingredients depending on your preference/taste. This would make a delicious addition to an Easter brunch or any type of occasion where you need to feed a crowd.




Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats


These healthy spaghetti squash boats are great for when you need a simple dinner that requires minimal effort or for meal prepping!
Keto, gluten free, packed with cancer fighting antioxidants, and low in carbs – these buffalo chicken spaghetti squash boats are definitely going to be a hit!


Link to Hope Podcast
Kentuckians need hope today. Link 2 Hope is a monthly podcast featuring experts 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!
WKYT - Link to Hope
Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.

Our most recent story highlights a new, innovative way to screen for colon cancer.

 
THANK YOU to WKYT for their partnership!
Screening Opportunities
NO-COST Colon Cancer Screening
OC Light FIT (at-home screening)
  • Ages 45-75
  • Average risk (no symptoms or significant family history)
  • Must live in Kentucky
  • no income or insurance eligibility

Colonoscopy (screening, surveillance, diagnostic)**
Participating providers located in multiple locations across the commonwealth

  • Ages 45-75 (younger if having symptoms or have family history)
  • Kentucky resident
  • uninsured or under-insured (high deductible or plan without preventive coverage)
  • INDIVIDUAL income at or below 300% federal poverty guidelines ($43,740 - higher with dependents)

Cologuard**
  • Ages 45 to 75
  • Average risk (no symptoms, history of precancerous polyps, significant family history)
  • Uninsured (or plan does not cover screening)
  • Kentucky resident
  • INDIVIDUAL income at or below 300% federal poverty guidelines ($43,740 - may be higher with dependents)


**This program is funded by the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Program.

Call Kentucky CancerLink to speak with a certified patient navigator!
859-309-1700
Do you need help getting a breast or cervical screening, but are uninsured or underinsured? Call Kentucky CancerLink and we'll get you connected with CHI Saint Joseph Health's Yes, Mamm! and Yes, Cerv! program!

Call Kentucky CancerLink at 859-309-1700 for more information.
The Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program is a federally funded public health program providing free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women in Kentucky. Services like mammograms and Pap tests are offered through local health departments and participating clinics around the state.

Screening Eligibility Requirements
Women ages 21 and older
Household income at or less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level
No health insurance including Medicaid and Medicare Part B

Where do I find a provider?
KWCSP providers are located across the commonwealth. To find the provider nearest you call toll free (844) 249-0708 or click on the map to go to interactive version.
University of Kentucky
Ovarian Cancer Screening Program
For more information about the ovarian cancer screening program at the University of Kentucky, visit this link.
Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
Low-dose CT screening (LDCT) is a test used to detect lung cancer before any symptoms appear. Under the new lung cancer screening guidelines, those ages 50-80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history or who have quit smoking in the past 15 years should get screened for lung cancer. Under the new guidelines, more women, Black and Latino individuals are considered at high risk. 

BE A LINK TO HOPE!
KENTUCKY CANCERLINK
2425 Regency Road, Suite B
Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: 859-309-1700
Toll-Free: 877-597-4655
Fax: 859-368-8418
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