Category: Member Stories

By Gloria, Gilda’s Club Member At the age of 30, I was hit like a ton of bricks when I went in for my annual physical and was told she found a lump in my left breast. After many tests, I was given the diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and it had spread to…

By Katie, Gilda’s Club Member Getting a cancer diagnosis is the absolute pits. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40—my son not yet three and my ducks wholly not in a row to handle the additional workload of treatment—I broke. Early on, drowning in turmoil, I knew I would benefit from support outside…

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…

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…

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…

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…