Founder, Vicki Blevins-Booth was inspired by Dr. Harold P. Freeman and his vision for patient navigation in oncology. As the owner of VDK Turning Point, Vicki had seen and heard about the barriers faced with a cancer diagnosis and the need for education for early detection in screening.
Kentucky CancerLink, formerly known as Kentucky Pink Connection, was founded in April 2008. Certified patient navigators use the common-sense patient navigation approach launched by Dr. Harold P. Freeman, a cancer surgeon. In 1990 Dr. Freeman established the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute in Harlem, New York City area, an institute that has had the remarkable effect of increasing retention, diagnostic and treatment resolution rates. Patient navigation is an invaluable service to individuals and their communities and makes sure each person is cared for in a humane, dignified manner. Initially sponsored by the Kentucky Breast Cancer Coalition, Ms. Blevins-Booth received her first grant from Susan G. Komen, Lexington Affiliate in April of 2008 and quickly obtained her own 501c3 status.
In 2014, after hearing the voices and seeing the need for assistance in other cancers, the board voted to expand the mission. In April of 2014, Kentucky CancerLink was officially launched with the expanded mission to remove barriers to Kentuckians so they can receive all evidence-based cancer screenings and to support those diagnosed with cancer.
