December 2024

LINK TO HOPE NEWSLETTER

A message from the Executive Director - Melissa Karrer

Hi Friends,

“December is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to embrace the opportunities of the coming one.” - Oprah

As we approach the end of another year, the Kentucky CancerLink team is taking time to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared and express heartfelt gratitude for your support of our organization.

This year has been one of profound impact thanks to the generosity of our friends, community partners, and sponsors as we have been able to provide our services to fellow Kentuckians affected by cancer. Contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Highlights of 2024:

We successfully expanded screening programs for colon, breast and cervical, and lung through state partnerships (Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Program, Kentucky Women's Cancer Screening Program, and the Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program), reaching more communities and ensuring early detection and prevention.

Our support services have grown as the demand for has increased - specifically for gas cards to get patients to treatment appointments, wigs/headwear, prostheses, and lymphedema garments.

Through various events and partnerships, we have strengthened our community ties and raised awareness of cancer prevention and support.

Thank you for helping us continue to be a link to hope to cancer patients, touching one life at a time.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

Cheers,

Melissa

Please consider Kentucky CancerLink as you

prepare for end of year giving!

Every donation counts...

Click here to donate today

Planning on purchasing gift cards for friends & family this holiday season?

When you purchase through the link below, a portion of the proceeds benefit KY CancerLink. Click here to shop over 200 different gift card options available through RaiseRight.

We're excited to share that KCL will be one of the 2024 top two finalists for a chance to win $10,000 through the Bags to Riches program at J & H Outdoors!

When you decline a shopping bag at checkout, J&H Outdoors will donate the equivalent cost of that bag to a charity of choosing and we hope you'll be sure to choose KCL and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Thank you!

Thank you to Pike County Health Department for your generous donation of over $7,000.00 from the Paint Pikeville Pink 5K event this past October.

Thank you for being a link to hope to Kentuckians!

WKYT - Link to Hope

Each month on WKYT, a Link to Hope story is featured with Amber Philpott.

Our most recent segment highlights how one program, at the YMCA, is helping cancer survivors get moving again.

Click here to view segments!

THANK YOU to WKYT for your partnership!

Grateful Patient

Virtual Tour!

Click here for a virtual tour of our KCL office!

Out and About

Melanie attended a lung screening education & awareness event at Baptist Health Hamburg location on Nov. 13th. We love opportunities to collaborate with our partners to provide education & bring awareness to our communities.

Our KCL holiday board meeting on Nov. 19 was fun & festive. We're grateful for our staff that was able to participate too. We had so much fun, we forgot to take more photos. Thank you to our dedicated board members (and spouses) who were able to join us.

Melissa & Melanie had the opportunity to provide gift wrapping to customers at J&H Outdoors on November 20th for their customer appreciation event.

KCL is one of two non-profit finalists for their Bags to Riches program. When you shop at J&H Outdoors, and decline a shopping bag, you help the environment, and you get a chance to vote for your favorite non-profit so be sure to drop your coin in the KY CancerLink box and help us win $10,000! 💜🛍️

Ways to GIVE BACK!

Did you know we have an Amazon wish list?

One of our greatest needs is $25 Visa gift cards we use to send to cancer patients to help them travel to and from treatment appointments.

Amazon gift cards, in any amount, help us purchase nutritional supplements, durable medical equipment, and other items to help patients who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis.

Click here to shop our Amazon wish list

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.

Delicious Ideas

Charcuterie Wreath

Antipasto skewers decorated with fresh twigs of rosemary make this appetizer a cute way to feed your guests.

This is less of a recipe and more of a basic guide. Use whatever cheeses, meats, and other items you wish to really impress your guests.

Click here for the recipe

Festive Salad with Orange Vinaigrette dressing

The base for this delicious & nutritious salad is brussels sprouts and kale which are packed with flavor and cancer fighting antioxidants.

Combined with pomegranate arils, which are rich in vitamin c and fiber, bacon and a delicious orange vinaigrette dressing this salad is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Click here for the recipe

Stovetop Simmer

Potpourri Gifts

This is a sweet, inexpensive way to share the Christmas spirit with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and really anyone that you would like to show a kindness to.

Just slice the orange and add remaining ingredients into a pot with water and simmer on any stovetop to welcome guests to your home with the aromas of Christmas.

Click here for the recipe

Link to Hope Podcast

Kentuckians need hope today. Link 2 Hope is a monthly podcast featuring community partners 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!

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

KENTUCKY CANCERLINK

2425 Regency Road, Suite B

Lexington, KY 40503

Phone: 859-309-1700

Toll-Free: 877-597-4655

Fax: 859-368-8418