June 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:

"Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps." Emily Potter

Hi friends,

I hope that you all had a nice Memorial Day weekend. We took a moment to pause and say thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have our freedom. My grandfather fought in WW2, my father in the Vietnam War, and I have several loved ones who fought bravely as well. I know they lost many friends along the way and Memorial Day is for them.

As we go into June, Cancer Survivor Month, we honor those who have survived as well as those who are in treatment and living daily with a diagnosis. Sunday, June 5th is National Cancer Survivor Day. Take a moment to remember them as well.

Kentucky CancerLink continues in our mission to be a link to hope to those in need during a cancer diagnosis - our heroes.

We could not do this without your support. Thanks for reading!

Cheers,

Melissa Karrer
Board Member Spotlight - Susan Gordon
OTR/L, CLT, Baptist Health Lexington
Susan Gordon, an Occupational Therapist at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky, is a certified lymphedema therapist, oncology therapist, and specializes in rehabilitation for women with breast cancer.  A native of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Susan has lived in Lexington since she attended Transylvania University, and later went on to complete her Master's in Occupational Therapy.  Susan became an official Kentucky CancerLink board member in early 2022. Witnessing the profound impact that this organization has had on patients throughout the Commonwealth such as, providing individuals with lymphedema compression garments, bras, prosthetics, wigs, and more was the motivation for her to become more involved. “Kentucky CancerLink is not only an essential part of my patient’s cancer journeys, but one that relieves so many burdens during a time of uncertainty.” Susan said. The organization has done so much for her and the patients she serves, that Susan wanted the opportunity to give back. Kentucky CancerLink is truly a source of hope and light to individuals enduring, quite possibly, one of the hardest times of their life. “The impact of Kentucky CancerLink in our state is invaluable.” Susan said.
Out and About
We recently held our inaugural Champagne Campaign to toast to survivors, raise a glass to remember those we’ve lost, but live in our hearts, and to raise a special toast to our founder Vicki Blevins-Booth in her retirement. Thank you all who attended and thank you all for your ongoing support of our mission.

Melanie collaborating with Ally Buchanan, from Baptist Health Lexington at the Lexington DiverCity Festival



Melanie at the 3M factory in Cynthiana for a colon cancer event, in collaboration with Kentucky Cancer Program-East staff, Tonya Pauley (pictured left) and Harrison Memorial Hospital staff, Mollie Smith (pictured center

Melanie in Taylor County for a colon cancer screening event, hosted by Taylor Regional, with Kentucky Cancer Program-East staff, Wynona Padgett
SAVE THE DATE!
Experienced cyclers & beginners are welcome! Pre-registration is required. You can sign up through the link below or on the CycleYou app. If you're new you will be asked to complete a brief profile as a precautionary measure. We hope you'll join us! Reach out to Melanie with any questions melanieh@kycancerlink.org


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Contact Melanie Hunter, melanieh@kycancerlink.org
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

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad

This is a delicious & easy recipe to make when the weather warms up & you don't want to heat up the kitchen. It's packed with flavor and all the best ingredients. Serve it on a pretzel bun or a croissant for an extra special touch.




Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint & a Balsamic Glaze

This watermelon feta salad with mint and a balsamic glaze is so light and refreshing. It's the perfect side dish to take to a summer picnic!






Air Fryer Corn on the Cob


Vegetarian and gluten free, this quick & easy air fryer corn makes a healthy & delicious side dish, snack, or appetizer.







Glowy Green Tea Mask
The potential perks: Reduced redness and/or irritation, increased moisture

The steps:
  1. Mix 1 Tbsp. each matcha green tea, raw honey, and baking soda, then add just enough water to make a paste.
  2. Apply to face, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.


Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask
The potential perks: Reduced acne (anti-bacterial), exfoliation

The steps:
  1. Combine 2 Tbsp. raw honey, 2 Tbsp. nutmeg, and 2 tsp. milk to form a thin paste.
  2. Apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Follow up with a moisturizer.

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 highlights the value of cancer rehab during treatment, and into survivorship, for individuals on a cancer journey.

 
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. 

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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