October 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:
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher

10 years... in December, actually, but I round up. 10 years ago I heard the words, "You have breast cancer." I started on a journey that has led me on a path that changed my life forever. I don't wear a lot of pink, but I feel a special bond with my fellow breast cancer survivors. And those we have lost are not forgotten.

I was very fortunate to have the support needed during my treatments and surgeries. Support to have the time to heal and rest. Time to listen for that little voice that whispers courage to keep trying for tomorrow.

I don't take the fact that I had the support I did lightly. I'm thankful for our organization that works so hard to relieve the stress and burden for those that do not have support during a cancer diagnosis or are in need of life-saving cancer screening. That is what made me fall in love with this mission, 10 years ago. A mission that I believe chose me. I listen for that little voice still as I work to lead our organization into the future.

Thank you for coming along...

October is a very busy month for opportunities for outreach and events, such as the CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundation Yes, Mamm! Yes, Cerv! 5k on Saturday, October 15. Please consider registering for this event put on by our partners at CHI and support a program that allows women to receive no cost breast and cervical screenings and diagnostics.

Be safe and take care of each other. Thank you for staying engaged with Kentucky CancerLink as we work to be a link to hope to Kentuckians on a cancer journey.


Cheers!

Melissa
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.
Out and About
Melanie attended a health & wellness event on Saturday morning 9/17/22 at the Robertson County Health Department in Mt. Olivet, to educate the community about colon cancer screening and supportive services available for the cancer community and beyond. We love seeing our Kentucky Cancer Program - East friends at local events too! Pictured with Melanie, near KCP's inflatable colon, is Angie Combs, KCP - East representative. Lots of great work being done in the Commonwealth! An added bonus was this beautiful sunrise photo Melanie was able to capture on a country road in Robertson County.
Our 2022 Links to Hope golf scramble was a great success thanks to our amazing sponsors, players and volunteers! The staff at Keene Trace were fantastic and we look forward to hosting the event there again next year.
Melanie attended the ribbon cutting for Central Kentucky Cancer Care's new radiation oncology facility at Georgetown Community Hospital along with KCL's program assistant, Syrena and KCL's intern, Conner. This new state-of-the-art center will provide quality cancer care, close to home, for the Georgetown community and beyond.
Melanie and Melissa joined community partners from LBX Link-Belt Excavator Company and CHI Saint Joseph Health for Pink Out the Park at Lexington Legends ballpark on Saturday, Sep. 17 to celebrate breast cancer survivors. Survivors were recognized and celebrated as they were invited to walk out onto the field. Each survivor received a pink rose. Legends players, and coaches, wore special edition pink Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys, during the game. They were later auctioned off to the highest bidders and proceeds from the sales will benefit Kentucky CancerLink, Yes Mamm! and the UK HealthCare Markey Cancer Center.
Taking KCL to the Next Level!
KCL recently upgraded to a new software system and we are so excited to expand and grow our ability to make an even greater impact in our communities and with our partners. KCL's program assistant, Syrena and our executive director, Melissa, shown here, hard at work on our new software system.
Upcoming Events!
Join in on Sunday, October 16 from 1-6pm at Captain's Quarters located at 5700 Captain's Quarters Road in Prospect, KY to help raise money & awareness for Twisted Pink & Hope Scarves - two Louisville area organizations that support research in Metastatic Breast Cancer. The event is free and family friendly and will feature live music, face painting, a bounce house & more.

DIY Autumn Apple Face Mask

Puree the apple in a food processor, blender, or any other appliance used to puree food. (Leaving the peel on the apple is optional)

Blend with a few tablespoons of honey, oatmeal or egg yolk, whichever you have handy. I also like to add a dash of cardamom spice, if you have it. 

Smooth the mixture over your face, avoiding the eye area.

Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Apply your favorite serum and moisturizer. 
Do you have a resource 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
Do you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who have a parent currently undergoing cancer treatment, or are dealing with the loss of a parent or sibling? If so, Kids Wish Network Program will reward qualifying Heroes with a generous retail gift card, Hero bear, Hero shirt, and a certificate to honor their bravery. The amount of the gift card varies depending on our charity’s current program budget. Each qualifying child in the family is recognized, and receive gift packages mailed directly to the family’s home.
 
The Hero Nomination Form can be filled out by parents, staff, or anyone who is touched by their heroism. A facility can nominate up to 5 kids per month, but if the form was given to a parent and they’re the nominator, there’s no limit since they’re an individual nominator.  If multiple children in the family are being honored, an individual form would be filled out for each child.

Since 2006, Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer has created and participated in various programs to spread ovarian cancer awareness and provide comfort for those currently battling the disease. The Butterfly Bangle program provides patients with an exclusive classic silver slip on bracelet adorned with sparkly teal charms. Slip on your sign of support – a radiant reminder of your inner resolve. Awareness and support that shines!

Ovarian cancer patients and survivors request your very own Butterfly Bangle by clicking on the link below.


Good Wishes provides an It’s a Wrap© or Good Wishes square scarf to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment at no cost. Each scarf is a gift of hope that carries with it the support and good wishes of people who care and represents the strength and dignity of those who wear it. Our goal is to, in some small way, ease their journey, provide a bit of comfort and share the power of positive thinking and good wishes with these individuals on their path to healing and recovery.


Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

This scrumptious pumpkin spice smoothie recipe is rich, creamy, and so easy to make. Additionally, pumpkin is packed with vitamin K which helps contribute to healthy bones and promotes wound healing. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder for an added boost of nutrients!











Butternut Squash Soup

The great thing about this butternut squash soup recipe, is that it happens to be naturally gluten-free and vegan, which makes it a wonderful option for hosting large groups (especially around the holidays). It’s easy to make in either the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot or on the stovetop (all options included in recipe). It’s loaded up with lots of savory veggies and seasonings, plus a hint of sweetness thanks to the addition of one apple. And most importantly, it’s just incredibly comforting, flavorful and delicious.



Apple Pecan Feta Salad

The perfect salad to make anytime of year, but especially during the Fall since apples are in season. Spinach (or can substitute for your favorite type of greens) is layered with fresh juicy apples, crunchy pecans, tangy feta, sweet cranberries, salty bacon and it's finished with a delicious cider vinaigrette.










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 features a discussion about the ovarian cancer screening program at the University of Kentucky.

 
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. 

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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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