February 2022
LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER
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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...
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Greetings from the Executive Director: |
"Love is such a powerful force. It's there for everyone to embrace - that kind of unconditional love for all of humankind. That is the kind of love that impels people to go into the community and try to change conditions for others, to take risks for what they believe in." - Coretta Scott King
Hey there!
I hope you don't mind that I start off each newsletter with a quote. I enjoy sifting through them to choose one. I landed on this one in the spirit of the month of love.
Being married for nearly 23 years and mother to 2 boys has definitely helped me learn to love unconditionally! In the last 9 years, working with Kentucky CancerLink I've received the gift of feeling what this quote speaks to as well. Our team works in the community to try and make a change in conditions for cancer patients and at times we take risks to expand our reach because it is something we believe in.
As you read on, you'll hear from one of our bilingual patient navigators and an experience she had working with someone who received a gas card at a time that was particularly difficult.
In the month of January, we have been a link to hope to 265 Kentuckians in 63 counties through new referrals! Requests have included help with access to no-cost cancer screenings, gas assistance, coordinating a companion to colonoscopy procedures, wigs, bras/prosthesis, and lymphedema garments.
We are excited to get back into events this year to help support our mission. Read more in this issue about our upcoming Link to Hope tennis event on Friday, February 18th. If you'd like more information about how you can participate or possibly become a sponsor, contact Melanie Hunter at melanieh@kycancerlink.org.
We appreciate you and the support of our mission. Together we can make a great impact in our Commonwealth.
Cheers,
Melissa
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Meet our Interns
Maggie & Carly are currently students at the University of Kentucky school of nursing and will be with us through February.
Their primary focus will be assisting us with our tennis event on February 18 at the Lexington Tennis Club.
They have already been a tremendous asset and we are so grateful for their support.
Interested in participating or supporting the event? Find out more below!
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Gabby Meis,
Certified Bilingual Patient Navigator
Certified Community Health Worker
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"One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a patient navigator is that I get the opportunity to help individuals during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Recently, I was able to provide a patient with a gas card to help them get to and from their life-saving treatment appointment(s). They were so grateful for the gift and said that it came to them at just the right time. Turns out, the week they received it in the mail had been particularly difficult. It's really so much more than a gas card, it truly is a link to hope."
-Gabby, KCL Patient Navigator
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Ask Karmell - Self Care Tips |
Karmell, a KCL Certified Patient Navigator and Certified Community Health Worker, but she is also a licensed esthetician.
Have general questions?
**Cannot diagnose skin conditions or possible skin cancer. Please see your medical provider for any concerning issues.
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It is DRY! Let’s infuse some moisture into our skin and hair with these treatments:
Moisturizing Hair Mask
- 1 egg yolk (2 if you have longer hair), save egg white
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Rosemary essential oil (optional)
Mix all ingredients together and gently apply from root to tips of hair. If you need to, clip your hair up on top of your head and let it sit for 20 minutes and then shampoo and condition. This mask can be done once a month or more if needed.
Moisturizing & Firming Face Mask
- Egg white (saved from above recipe)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tsp lemon juice
- 3 tsp’s plain yogurt
Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean, dry face and let set for 15 minutes. This mask can be stored in the refrigerator for one week. You can do mask every other day for a week.
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Recent Study Correlates Heart Health to Cancer Risk |
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"The study, published in the March 2021 issue of JACC, found that cardiovascular disease risk-including traditional risk factors like age, sex, & smoking...is associated with an increased risk of cancer." So dust off those tennis shoes and get that heart rate up. Experts recommend 30 minutes of activity each day. Mix it up and make it fun. Try a Zumba class with a friend or participate in a water aerobics class. Swimming is a great low-impact activity that is sure to get your heart rate up and burn lots of calories. Make yourself a priority and do it not only for yourself but for the ones you love.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Looking for a healthy game-day treat? Look no further. These buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy and delicious and can be prepared in the oven or the air fryer.
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True Food Kitchen Kale Salad
This True Food Kitchen favorite is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters. It's a great way to get those leafy greens in and is an excellent source of fiber, Vitamins K, A, & C.
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15-Minute Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Great for kids, an easy dessert and the dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants
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We're hosting an event to raise funds for our mission at Lexington Tennis Club on Friday, Feb. 18 at 6:30. We'll have a cash bar available, food, and a silent auction featuring a 3 month membership to Beautiful for Life from BelleVie Medspa, fabulous jewelry from Kendra Scott, a private event at Cycle Bar for you and up to 35 of your friends, and so much more. To register for the event, email Brooks Lundy at brooks@LTCtennis.com. |
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Until there is a cure for cancer 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.
You can also listen to Link 2 Hope on whichever platform you listen to your podcasts. Subscribe to be informed when new episodes are added!
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Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.
Our most recent story focuses on the Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program and we hear from Dr. Connie White about cervical cancer in Kentucky and opportunities to get screened.
THANK YOU to WKYT for their partnership!
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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 859-309-1700 for more information.
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Read more about the Yes, Cerv! Program in this article written by Program Coordinator, Teresa Colon, RN. Read full article.
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In partnership with the Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program, Kentucky CancerLink can connect you with a no cost/low cost breast and/or cervical screening close to home. |
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Join us in being a LINK TO HOPE! |
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KENTUCKY CANCERLINK
2425 Regency Road, Suite B
Lexington, KY 40503
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Phone: 859-309-1700
Toll-Free: 877-597-4655
Fax: 859-368-8418
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