March 2022
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:
"Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace." - French proverb

Hey there!

This quote jumped out at me as earlier today, the phrase "grow where you are planted" was on my mind. Probably because thinking about March makes me so excited for spring. Each day can bring its own challenges as some days you have the sun on your face and others you are getting soaked to the bone with rain. Both are important for growth. I try to remember that, at least, and look for opportunities to bloom. I'm not, however, always graceful...

Kentucky CancerLink is blooming back into events in 2022! We had a great time at the Link to Hope Tennis event on Friday, February 18 at the Lexington Tennis Club! On Saturday, March 19 we will partner with RaceRise for the Quarter Horse Marathon Relay and on May 12 and September 20 we are planning an event at the Thoroughbred Club and returning to our golf scramble "Links to Hope" with a new partner, Keene Trace Golf Club. Exciting times! Stay tuned!

We love our community partners and look forward to cultivating those relationships this year and planting new seeds to help further our mission to be a link to hope to Kentuckians in need.

We would be happy to have you join us!

Your support of our mission is much appreciated. Together we can make a great impact across the Commonwealth.

Cheers,

Melissa
Carla Washnock
Certified Patient Navigator
Certified Community Health Worker
"I recently worked with a patient who was uninsured and in need of a colonoscopy. The patient was deemed eligible for the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Program, a state funded program that provides screening for uninsured and underinsured individuals. The patient was referred to us by one of our hospital partners and after numerous attempts to find dates & times that would work best for the patient, I was able to get his colonoscopy scheduled and worked closely with him to educate him on the preparation requirements.

His procedure resulted in the removal of several polyps with high-grade dysplasia which means the patient is considered high-risk and an additional screening is recommended in one year versus the average 5 to10 year recommendation for individuals of average risk. This is a perfect example of the importance of early detection and screening and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to help navigate so many individuals through the process of the potentially life-saving screenings they receive."
Ask Karmell - Self Care Tips
Karmell, a KCL Certified Patient Navigator and Certified Community Health Worker, is also a licensed esthetician.
 
Have general questions?
Send an email to: karmellm@kycancerlink.org 
 
**Cannot diagnose skin conditions or possible skin cancer. Please see your medical provider for any concerning issues.
Spring Nettle & Green Clay Face Mask

30g French green clay powder 
5g dried powdered nettle leaf 
2 drops lavender essential oil 
(you can find these ingredients online or at a natural food store)
1 teaspoon of honey, mil

Combine all the ingredients together into a jar. Mix well. To use combine 1 tablespoon with approximately 1 teaspoon of honey, milk or water or until you get a smooth paste that spreads well on the skin. Apply over congested areas of your face. Leave on for about 5 minutes or until almost dry. Remove by applying a warm, wet flannel over the area and then pressing off gently. You can use this on décolleté and back too!
DIY "Tshirt Turban" for cancer patients
KCL Director of Community Outreach, Melanie Hunter, demonstrates how to make a "T-shirt Turban" with our Office Manager, April. This can be a very helpful tool for cancer patients who prefer these types of head coverings.

Three Ingredient Lentil Salad

This simple & delicious dish is easy to throw together, and lentils are a plentiful source of fiber which can lower cholesterol and protect against diabetes and colon cancer.


No-Bake Energy Bites


These are quick and easy to make, naturally sweetened with honey, and SO delicious! Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert. Gluten-free & vegan.




Refreshing Green Smoothie

This super refreshing, high fiber/lower sugar smoothie is a delicious way to get your vegetables in and up your fiber intake.





2022 EVENTS!
Our partners, Kentucky Cancer Programs - East and West are promoting Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4, 2022! They are having a photo contest on Facebook. Click HERE to visit their Facebook page to join in the fun!
We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with Kendra Scott this March for a fun way to raise funds for our mission. We'll have an in-store event on Saturday, March 5 from 12-4 or you can use the code above all day on Sat. & Sun. *Must include dash when using promo code.
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Click HERE for more information and registration!
Stay tuned for more information!
Thursday, May 12 - Champagne Campaign - Thoroughbred Club of America
Cheers to survivors, raise a glass to those we have lost, and honor Vicki Blevins-Booth and the impact she has made in our cancer community since 2008.


Tuesday, September 20 - Links to Hope Golf Scramble
Keene Trace Golf Club
Link to Hope Podcast
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.
 

Suggestions for what you'd like to hear? Contact Melanie Hunter at melanieh@kycancerlink.org to share your ideas!
 
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!
WKYT - Link to Hope
Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.

Our most recent story focuses on the the group, Colors of Promise, and the important work they do in our community.

 
THANK YOU to WKYT for their partnership!
Screening Opportunities
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.
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.
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. 

Join us in being 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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