We wish Kirsten well as she concludes her chapter with the organization after many years of service. Over the years, Kirsten contributed to our community in countless ways and was part of many meaningful moments at Gilda’s Club.
We are grateful for the time, care, and energy she shared with our members and wish her all the best in what comes next.
By Kirsten Norslien
June 1 will be my last day at Gilda’s Club Wisconsin. Looking back at the past eighteen years, I am so proud of the work I have been part of and deeply grateful for the brilliant colleagues I worked alongside and members of the cancer community.
I am particularly grateful for the support groups, classes and social activities that I have been part of. Working specifically in the realm of Young Survivors, and other underserved groups has been an honor. I have a special place in my heart for the members who I’ve worked with. Survivorship starts the moment after diagnosis. One of my guiding questions in life is “Now what?”
Over the years, I have been involved in everything from grand openings, to program development (Midwest Young Adult Cancer Conference, Healing with Horses, survivorship workshops). I’ve represented Gilda’s Club nationally at conferences, and statewide with the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative, and other cancer organizations. I worked with the community to find program spaces after the flood in 2018. And the pandemic offered so many opportunities for changing how work is done, with ever an eye to how to reach more people dealing with cancer.
I am taking some time to decompress and reset before jumping into what’s next. I’m excited to explore new opportunities in the field of survivorship, mental health, and program development. If you’d like to keep in touch or grab a coffee, you can reach me on LinkedIn.
Kirsten it has been an honor working alongside you over the years. You have made an incredible impact to so many cancer patients and their families. You are such an inspiration and have helped me grow in so many ways. I wish you the best on your next chapter. Please stay in touch.
Thank you so much for all your efforts and hard work. I loved collaborating with you and am so grateful for the kindness and support you have given to thousands of people throughout the years.
What an incredible run. You’ve touched countless lives – thank you! Best of luck with your next adventure.
You are an amazing selfless individual that fosters collaboration and care. Wishing you the very very best and thanking you for all your years of service at Gilda’s Club WI. Please be in touch.
Thank you for you’ll given to the Gilda’s Community, and for helping to foster such an incredible environment for support and healing. Best wishes for your journey forward!
Kirsten: thank you for the positive difference you made and will always make on so many lives, including mine. May you
always be “mindful” of your impact, as you search and excel in your next “now what?”
I am thankful for you Kirsten! Having you as a leader in my support group in combination with all the amazing friends I made there saved my life. I was at the lowest of lows when I walked into Gildas. You are compassionate and real. I respect you for showing my survivorship was possible. Much admiration to you! Enjoy whatever comes next.
You’ve touched more lives than you’ll ever know.
Trust the Spirit. You will be shown what’s next when the time is right.
Kirsten I’m so sorry for us and Gilda’s that you are leaving but very glad for you as you decompress and find other fulfilling work. You took good care of all of us, now take good care of you!
Oh Kirsten,
What will Gilda’s do without you! You were the rock, the glue, the heart of Gilda’s. I would love to know what your next adventure will be! All the best for you! Amy
Kirsten: From the moment that you were hired at Gilda’s Club, I knew you were a difference maker and would be there for the duration of your career. And I am thankful that you were. You are leaving incredibly large shoes to fill. If your successor is half the person you are, Gilda’s will continue to flourish.
Best wishes in your retirement. You have certainly deserved it!
Kirsten- It would be hard to adequately express the gratitude I feel for the positive impact that you have had on my life, and I know that countless other people feel the same way. Here’s hoping you have fair weather and the wind at your back for all of your future races.
Kirsten, I knew something was different when when my random occasions bumping into you dropped from almost every time I showed up at Gilda’s Club to zero. Sadly my naive assumption of a well deserved vacation, or some such, proved incorrect. After a couple of weeks I learned the permanence of your absence from this blog post. While I wish I’d had a chance to bid you adieu in person, I wish you well and hope to cross paths in the future. I remember you as a most consistently present, available, and encouraging person. From first meeting to last conversation you provided a meaningful sense of welcome, guidance and direction into the wonders of Gilda’s Club – not the least of which was you. Happy trails!
(I am very intermittent on social media, including linked-in).
Thanks for all you’ve done and for all you’re yet to do!
Kirsten, we are very sad that we will not be running into you at Gilda’s Club, as we have learned that you will not be returning. I remember meeting you on our first visit to Gilda’s club in 2017 after Robert’s cancer diagnosis. You directed us to a support group and helped us get a healthy perspective on what life with cancer is like. We have both benefitted so much from Gilda’s club, (your cooking classes, yoga, sewing group, writing group, horse therapy outing, etc.). We also know how hard you worked on a daily basis and would jump in as a substitute when the need arose. The flood challenges of 2018 and working around covid provided huge administrative challenges which you and the team championed and rose above. We will miss you, but know that you will keep on making great strides and positive changes in the lives of those who need care and comfort.
Kirsten, it has been an honor to work with you as a volunteer over so many years. You were deeply committed to serving our members, and you provided daily and ongoing inspiration and support. You were an excellent program director who was willing to jump in countless times just to keep the activities flowing smoothly! You were truly the heart and soul of Gilda’s mission.
Thanks for all you’ve done and the impact you’ve made. You will be greatly missed. All the best in your journey toward “Now What?”