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March 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,

It's time for March Madness! For KCL this means that Colon Cancer Awareness is kicking off and there will be many opportunities to work with partners to educate and connect Kentuckians to colon screening options.

Dress in Blue Day will be on Friday, March 3rd! Make sure to use #dressinblueday in your social media posts!

We are adding pickleball to our 3rd Annual Link to Hope Tennis and Pickleball event on Friday, March 17 at the Lexington Tennis Club. We are looking forward to a fun event with a Saint Patrick's Day flare. Want to sponsor or provide a silent auction item? Reach out to Melanie Hunter, melanieh@kycancerlink.org!

We appreciate your support as we all strive to be a link to hope to others.

Cheers!

Melissa
Save the Date
#dressinblueday 2023
On Friday, March 3rd, show your support of ending colon cancer and wear your blue! Use #dressinblueday in your social media posts! Let's turn it all blue!

Board Member Spotlight -
Carol Simpson

Carol Simpson was first introduced to Kentucky Cancer Link at a function in 2014 after undergoing a bilateral mastectomy in 2013. She participated in their BRA Day (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) campaign that year and has continued to support this organization. 

In early 2020 she faced cancer again and underwent a comprehensive capsulectomy. Although that was a unique challenge, she never lost her “bigger picture” perspective. While never requiring their services, Carol is enthusiastic about being selected as a new KCL board member. 

She currently works at UK’s College of Nursing after spending over two decades in the defense and aerospace industry. She has one son that is a newlywed living in Washington D.C. 
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.
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Receive a FREE KCL ball cap with
any $35+ donation!

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
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This smoothie recipe is great for a meal replacement or a quick protein boost after a workout. The peanut butter adds delicious flavor, as well as protein, and the banana is rich in fiber and potassium. You can certainly change up the recipe to suit your taste. Try using peanut butter powder to reduce the fat content or add in a scoop of cacao powder for added antioxidants, substitute plant- based milk for regular milk...this recipe is incredibly versatile and delicious.
Honey Almond Granola


Once you've had homemade granola, you'll never want to go back to store bought. The difference in flavor & freshness is unmatched. Using just a few simple ingredients makes it so easy to prep and oats have lots of fiber which helps prevent colon cancer. Another added bonus is that you can control the sugar content, which is important because most store-bought granola is loaded with sugar.
Old Bay Salmon Cakes


Whether you call them salmon patties, croquettes, or cakes, these delicious bites are a treasured favorite of many. Many recipes call for canned salmon which is mostly wild caught and much better for you than farm raised. This is an easy, delicious recipe that's inexpensive too.
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 the importance of quitting smoking and ways to help you quit.

 
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)

**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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