July 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:
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful. We must carry it with us or we find it not. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hi friends,

I appreciate you reading our newsletter to keep up not only with Kentucky CancerLink, but partnerships that may benefit your health, or that of your family and friends, or ways you can get involved in our mission.

My family was able to go on a mission trip with our church to Puerto Rico to serve a family in need toward the end of June. We traveled with 24 people from our church, some we knew and some we did not. We all jumped in to the project of building a home and quickly discovered that by working together, even in some cases doing something for the very first time, we could make a great impact. Turns out a jackhammer will make a 12-year old's bones rattle, but if you stick with it, you'll bust through the rock. There will be no living with my son after this. :)

I'm not saying this to be cheesy or try to work in a comparison, but we were tasked to bring home things we learned from the week in PR. The message of teamwork resonated with me because it is true....we were met with obstacles that none of us knew exactly how to overcome.....but together, as a team, we made a difference. These words come from my heart.

As I think about the mission of Kentucky CancerLink, or any non-profit organization, we literally could not do it without the teamwork of community members. Keep reading this month as we highlight a respected Board Member, a new employee, and a golf outing that you can participate in as a sponsor and/or player.

None of the things we do are possible without the support of others. Just look at the numbers below that shows the lives that are impacted and know that it's true. I am thankful daily for those who walk along side us to be a link to hope to Kentuckians in need of cancer screenings or support after a diagnosis.

Stay cool.....

Cheers,

Melissa Karrer
Board Member Spotlight - Peggy Lacy Moore
This month we are excited to spotlight board member, Peggy Lacy Moore. Peggy has devoted her time to Kentucky CancerLink by serving on our board since 2017 and has also been an active member of our events planning committee, helping us plan fundraising events which help us raise much needed funds that allow us to further our mission.

"The heart and passion that started this organization keeps growing and helping more and more Kentuckians. I love being involved with the Kentucky CancerLink staff and my fellow board members."

Peggy previously worked in state government for many years and says that she is grateful that she can help "pay it forward" and give back to her community.
Welcome to the Team
We are excited to welcome Syrena Sharlow to our team. Syrena began her summer internship with Kentucky CancerLink in May of this year and officially joins the Kentucky CancerLink team on July 1. In her role as Program Assistant, Syrena will work closely with our team to support the impactful work being done throughout the Commonwealth.
Syrena received her bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 2022 majoring in Public Health and minoring in Substance Use Prevention. She is also a certified patient navigator receiving her certification from the George Washington Cancer Center.
Originally from New York, Syrena currently lives in Versailles with her family and her favorite pup, Coco. In her spare time, Syrena loves crafting, baking, and traveling. Syrena has also worked as a barista for over 5 years and enjoys creating new drink ideas.
Out and About
Thank you to all who joined us on June 30 at Cycle You for our Kentucky CancerLink charity ride fundraiser. We raised $275.00! We are so grateful to Cycle You for allowing us to host the event at their studio and a special thank you to Stuart Hurt who served as our motivator for the class.

Syrena, Melissa, & Melanie attended UK Markey Cancer Center's annual Expressions of Courage survivor celebration at Kroger Field on June 3.
Melanie participated in the Health & Harm Reduction community event in Frankfort for Franklin County's immigrant community on June 5, providing 7 at-home colon cancer screening kits to those in need.
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

Grilled Beer Can Chicken


This easy beer can chicken recipe guarantees moist, fall-off-the-bone meat and crispy, flavorful skin. Note: May substitute any type of soda can.











Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad

An unexpected, delightful twist on a classic summer favorite, the blueberries in this recipe add a sweet bite to this savory salad that complements the balsamic vinegar so nicely. The perfect all-American side dish to any patriotic backyard barbecue.








Summer Charcuterie Board

Featuring something for everyone, charcuterie or grazing boards are one the best ways to please a crowd. This one features a colorful palette with tons of delicious flavors.









Quick and Easy Exfoliating Mask
*Full fat yogurt
*Honey
*Canned pumpkin
*Papaya

Apply any of these ingredients (you likely have most of these on hand in your kitchen) for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water for glowing skin.


Reminder--Apply your SPF 30 every day! 



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 features a prostate cancer survivor who shines a light on the importance of community and the value of reminding others that they're not alone.

 
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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