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 transplant”) last year. Doctors told me it was active cancer for almost 10 years before my diagnosis. Scary. By the time they discovered it, the cancer had broken several bones in my back and ribs, including a “burst” L1 lumbar fracture. I lost 1 ½ inches in my spine overnight.
For the first 2 years especially, I was bound to my recliner or bed most of every day. To fight isolation, and to find a community that knew about living with cancer, I turned to Gilda’s Club Madison. From that first phone call, I met empathetic people. Joining was pretty easy, and free, too.
COVID had hit the U.S. in 2020, and Gilda’s Club Madison had responded quickly to the changed landscape by reformatting their in-person programs to online. Since then, Gilda’s Club Madison has once again adapted to the current needs and now offers both in-person and online programs (some are simultaneously both). Happily, I can tell you I have healed enough to be able to participate in some in-person programs or events. I still participate in Gilda’s monthly online blood cancer support group.
But, back in 2021 and through 2023, Gilda’s online programming was a lifeline for me. Even though I might physically be alone in my living room on my recliner, the room was filled with my fellow Gilda’s classmates (including “Relaxation and Guided Imagery” program). The Imagery class was so relaxing I usually fell asleep for a few minutes, and I’d wake up calm and refreshed.
In those early days after diagnosis, my days were usually with medical appointments, ER visits, or hospital stays. Even if I had been well enough to attend Gilda’s in person, my medical appointments would have overlapped with Gilda’s programs. And, I would have been too tired to venture out again for any support groups anyway. But online programs meant I didn’t need to travel anymore that day.
For all of you that are not feeling well enough or are living just a bit too far to travel to the Clubhouse all the time, you know what I’m talking about. Gilda’s online programs are a lifeline just when you need it. I knew about Gilda’s Club Madison because I’m a fan of the early Saturday Night Live days when Gilda Radner was a cast member. Six years after her death from ovarian cancer in 1989 her husband Gene Wilder, Joanna Bull, and Joel Siegel founded Gilda’s Club in NYC so no one would have to face cancer alone. Since then, Gilda’s has expanded worldwide, and I for one, am grateful.
On February 5th, 2026, Gilda’s Club Madison will become Gilda’s Club Wisconsin. Anyone touched by cancer across the state can join our programs at no cost, whether that be in person or virtually. This change reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are, because no one should face cancer alone.
Dear Lori and Dear Gilda’s Club,
I, too, was an early fan of Gilda, and so saddened by her early death. Curious and supportive of the amazing group named in her honor.
Lori, as you are my beloved friend long before your official diagnosis, I am moved by your presence in the world. You are smart, kind, have impeccable taste, insight unsurpassed by any, courage, tenacity, and commitment to the highest good.
Because of you, I have recommended Gilda’s Club to many clients in my psychotherapy practice. I have also been an advocate for palliative care connections.
I held my dad’s hand when he died at 71, I was almost 21. Hospice was there for him, early on, and I wish we would have had Gilda’s Club so many years ago. He was in hospital when he died, on the maternity ward, a practice long embraced. My high school classmate was his nurse. I now know that this was not unusual. His was a death/rebirth.
He would not want to be remembered as one who died by cancer, but one who lived fully, first generation Finnish, carpenter by trade, husband and father and uncle and brother in law and so much more.
Dear Lori, you’ve help me deepen my understanding of life, every day, defying labels, embracing all there is.
Gilda’s Club rocks, with online and in person support for those living and loving others with chronic illness. And Lori, you ROCK and I love you as do countless others!
Blessed be.
Lori:
Your experience with Gilda’s Club is so beautifully described. I also echo the sentiment of the previous writer about your courage, strength, kindness, and insight. Your joy and sense of humor are also your trademarks.
I am so blessed to have you as a dear friend.
Thank you.
Amen Lori!
Gilda’s is a special place. Thanks for sharing your story of faith and perseverance. I am glad to be a part of Gilda’s with you. It is a place one can make new friends and support each other.
Dear Lori! It took 4 months to figure out my diagnosis, after starting with back pain last July. Finally in late October I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. I now have 3 fractured vertabrae and lost 3 inches! My treatments have been going well, and soon may begin a clinical trial.
It’s so helpful to be in Gilda’s Club and meet people like you who have more experience with the illness. It’s gives me hope! In life we often look for others like ourselves to help us make sense of things. Gilda’s Club helps people going through similar health challenges to find each other, and find solutions for the new challenges we’re presented with.
Here’s looking forward to our next Blood Cancer Zoom call, wishing you well!