We bid a bittersweet farewell to Gilda’s Program Manager Autumn, whose last day is April 23rd. Autumn has been a source of great humor, support, knowledge, and compassion during her decade at Gilda’s Club. We know that she will continue to have a positive impact on the community as she enters her next chapter. Autumn wrote about her time at Gilda’s Club—If you’d like to share a favorite memory of Autumn, please comment below!
By Autumn Kath
I came to Gilda’s Club in 2016 as an intern working towards my Masters in Social Work. From the very beginning I had immense feelings of gratitude. Gratitude for being placed at such an impactful organization, gratitude for the flexibility to work and start a family, gratitude for the Gilda’s members who shared their stories with me, and gratitude for the ability to do this work of holding and supporting your cancer experiences.
It has been an honor to watch Gilda’s Club Wisconsin change in so many ways over the years; and being part of those changes. We created new programs to support everyone in the state, we began offering virtual programming, and we changed our name! It has been an honor to watch myself change over these 10 years; you have watched me have kids, take on new roles, and become a better clinician.
These changes never end. It is time for me to move on from Gilda’s Club. I have loved every moment of working with our members. From sitting in support groups with you; listening to your stories and making connections with other members. Working individually with many of you; supporting and finding joy in hard moments. Going on endless walks and having chats. Laughing together at the absurd experiences. Eating meals together. Meeting your families. Seeing your art that represents you so well. The hugs and the times we’ve cried together.
I am so lucky to have been part of this community. I will continue to show up at Gilda’s events. I will always be your biggest fan! The connections I have made here are priceless and life changing. Thank you.
We will miss your positive energy, Autumn. I wish you well in your new endeavors.
Autumn, I will be forever grateful to you for your welcome and support of my husband, Ben, and me. I wish you a brilliant and beautiful future.
Autumn, I’m grateful for knowing you and sad to hear of your departure from Gilda’s. Additionally, I am happy given my confidence that your next steps move you into fresh opportunities for growth and service. You hold a sentinel role for me. I recall meeting you at the first Gilda’s event I risked attending, a soup and stroll, some time ago. I had known of Gilda’s mainly as a building along one of the many Middleton-area bike paths I cycled over the years. It had something to do with cancer support I had heard, but didn’t think it was for me, even months after my prostate cancer diagnosis. However, after added months of post-treatment side-effects I realized my journey wasn’t going to be a fairy-tale quick and easy one-and-done. Maybe my slog might benefit from support & companionship with people who not only had been “there”, but were still “there”. Perhaps a dozen others gathered in the Gilda’s club community room that somewhat sunny day, welcomed, hosted, and encouraged by a cheery, energetic woman. Autumn got some soup in our bodies and, for the willing and adventurous, got some of our bodies on the path out the back door. As a good-natured shepherd she gave direction and permission to walk round-trip for a self-determined distance and pace. Even while paying attention to the entire group, she took time to pay attention to me. She answered my newbie questions about Gilda’s and explained that it was of course there for me along with any and all those diagnosed with cancer. She helped me appreciate that however easy or hard the diagnosis, whether in remission or not, there were many ways to get involved, find support, and receive encouragement. Needless to say she broke the ice so I could take the plunge into what has proved to be the warm and welcoming waters of Gilda’s club staff, volunteers, and cancer journey companions. Autumn, thanks for being and welcoming me into a fresh season of my journey.