Members focus on navigating the unknown waters of “what’s next?” “There are layers, like an onion, to life after cancer,” explains Kirsten Norslien, Program Director at Gilda’s Club. That might mean the time immediately following receiving a diagnosis. Or finishing treatment and trying to figure out the next stage. That next stage might range from…
Read MoreBrunch and Bonding
Men’s Brunch is a place of friendship and support. This past December, Bob heard those shocking words, “You have cancer.” In the packet of information he received from the cancer center, he saw a flyer for Gilda’s Club. He quickly decided to learn more. In January, he walked into the clubhouse community room to find…
Read MoreA Glimmering Light
By Melodie Berry, Gilda’s Club member Hello, My Name is Melodie Berry. At 41, I had my first mammogram. Everyone told me I didn’t have to worry about anything because nobody gets breast cancer on their first mammogram and cancer doesn’t run in our family, so don’t worry! Surprise! I was the first one in…
Read MoreCaregiving Through Cancer
By: Joyce Carlin Sharing Gilda’s During my career as a social worker at UW Health Kids in Madison, I provided services to children diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. I was fortunate to have met many incredible patients and families over the years. They taught me about life, unconditional love, and perseverance. They taught me…
Read MoreIho: Finding Hope
No one expects to receive a cancer diagnosis, but Iho was especially surprised. She worked in the medical field, led a healthy lifestyle, and was young. Despite all of her efforts to be proactive, cancer still entered her life. Iho was diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago. She first saw a Gilda’s Club brochure…
Read MoreDelicious Ambiguity
By Ben and Jenny, Gilda’s Club Members In her book It’s Always Something, the incomparable Ms. Radner was quoted as saying, “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.” Getting that diagnosis is a scary thing –…
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