by Lannia Stenz, Executive Director/CEO Stories connect us, inspire us, give us a common reference point, and can even persuade. However, I personally believe the greatest impact storytelling has on us is that stories help us feel less alone in a world that can sometimes feel incredibly isolating. In the early days before Gilda’s Club…
Read MoreWelcome Back Elizabeth!
This past week, the Gilda’s Club doors welcomed back an excited and familiar face, a face that first stepped through Gilda’s red doors back in 2012 as an Edgewood College Child Life volunteer for Noogiefest and then again, though this time virtually, from 2020-2021 as our UW-Madison Master of Social Work intern. Now, a full…
Read MoreLooking for Connection- Tai Chi Classes at Gilda’s Club
“It has surprised me how natural it was to become a volunteer,” shares Jing Cao, volunteer instructor for Gilda’s Club’s Tai Chi classes. Jing initially became involved with Gilda’s Club in a different volunteer capacity, as an intern. She interned while a second year PhD student in the UW Madison Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program. Her…
Read MoreHealing With Horses
Gilda’s Club Hosts Its Fourth Equine Experience “Cancer often challenges our trust in ourselves and our capabilities. The horse helps us to see our capabilities and our strengths,” explains Kirsten Norslien, Gilda’s Club’s Program Director. Gilda’s Club recently hosted its fourth equine experience, the second with coach Nell Rogers at Seahorse Healing. The workshop involved…
Read MoreCancer Transitions
OK, you’re done with treatment. “See you in 3 months” your doctor says. “What?! For months I’ve been cared for by the amazing medical team at the clinic. What do I do now?” This is a very common scene when treatment ends. For many people, life after cancer treatment has ended can be a time of heightened anxiety…
Read MoreReflections and Remembrance
By Autumn Kath, CAPSW, Program Coordinator In May, we held our first in-person Remembrance Ceremony since the pandemic started. A time to come together and share, to remember and support one another in our grief. We shared stories, painted rocks and flowerpots; then planted sunflower seeds in honor of those who have died. To some…
Read MoreKim Virden: Rappelling for Cancer Support
Kim felt a rush of excitement as she looked down 14 stories to see 28 of her friends and her service dog down below. She turned around, leaned back over the edge, and spread her arms wide before beginning the descent down to her cheering crowd. Kim Virden has always had a love of adventure,…
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