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 MoreChampion Spotlight: Barbara and Norm Berven
Barbara and Norm Berven’s love story began in an unexpected way: after they both experienced losses due to cancer. Barbara lost her first husband, Bernie, to multiple myeloma in 2008. Norm’s first wife, Stella, was a good friend of Barbara and supported her through both her first husband’s diagnosis and after he passed. Later, when…
Read MoreGilda’s Club Madison Goes Solar
We’re thrilled to share a significant milestone in Gilda’s Club Madison’s journey: the installation of solar panels! This achievement is more than an upgrade to our building—it’s a testament to the power of community and our commitment to sustainability. We hope our steps inspire other area nonprofits to explore ways to build brighter futures for…
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 MoreTurn Your Strengths Into a Force for Good
By Olivia Arcuri This summer, I embarked on a journey that left me more fulfilled than I could have ever imagined. Training for a Half Ironman is no small feat, but when I decided to fundraise for Gilda’s Club along the way, my journey became so much more than just a personal challenge. It transformed…
Read MoreChampion Spotlight: Lisa Van Lieshout
Like many Gilda’s Club volunteers and supporters, Lisa has a personal connection to cancer. Her mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor, but before her mother’s diagnosis, her family experienced childhood cancer. Her younger brother Jeffrey was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was just 9 years old and Lisa was 11. “My family had…
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