My name is Mandy. I grew up in Verona, graduated from the UW, have had a successful communications career in Corporate America, at nonprofits, and in government. I taught middle school with Teach for America in Washington DC. I got pregnant at 40 – surprise! And have raised my son on my own for all…
Read MoreWho am I now?
By Lori T, Gilda’s Club member, volunteer, and Ambassador Treatment done. Or, almost done. You made it through the shock of discovery, treatment, job changes, hair loss and regrowth. Friends and family came by often – in person, by phone, or by texts. Commotion.But now, cancer is gone – or in (near) remission. Friends and…
Read More“A Place Where They Belong”
New cancer support groups provide spaces of understanding and connection “We’re there for each other. It’s a safe space,” shares Kim, a regular attendee of the new LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group. The group meets virtually every month for all those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have a cancer diagnosis. It’s one…
Read MoreFinding My Place in the Cancer Community
By Mary Sue, Gilda’s Club member When I was diagnosed with Early-Stage Breast Cancer last summer, I kept thinking they must have notified the wrong person. Surely this wasn’t something that was happening to me! Through the further testing, preparation for Breast Conserving Surgery to remove the tumor, radiation following the surgery, and the beginning…
Read MoreLife is Better with Gilda’s
By Lori T, Gilda’s Club member, volunteer, and Ambassador Life is better with Gilda’s Club Madison. That’s been my experience. And everyone I’ve met there has had that same positive experience. I was diagnosed in 2021 with advanced Multiple Myeloma. I’m on my 3rd line of therapy already, including a Stem Cell Transplant (“bone marrow…
Read MoreFinding Strength, Laughter, and Support Through Gilda’s Club
By Crystal, Gilda’s Club Member I was eight years old when cancer first entered my life. On March 24, 1992, my dad told us he had cancer, and even though I didn’t understand it then, that moment would go on to shape so much of who I am today. My dad went on to battle…
Read MoreYou Can Make Something Beautiful Even Through the Ugly Times
By Gloria, Gilda’s Club Member At the age of 30, I was hit like a ton of bricks when I went in for my annual physical and was told she found a lump in my left breast. After many tests, I was given the diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and it had spread to…
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