By Rita Schunk Immediately after getting a breast cancer diagnosis, I was famished for answers and guidance. Although the middle of nine “children”, there was no one in my life who had been through a cancer journey. I desired an experienced friend. I was aware of Gilda’s Club and knew they had a library. If…
Read MoreRadiant Lavender: Pushing Edges
“Mama went right down the building like Spiderman,” our three-year-old often says with pride. He is describing his Mama Lavender Knight and her descent down a 14-story building, rappelling while raising money for Gilda’s Club.
Read MoreI’m grateful for you, cancer
In case you haven’t heard, I’m still cancer-free and loving remission! I still have follow up scans every few months. The lingering effects of chemotherapy have faded. I’m hitting my stride and have gotten back to my true passions. Join us for beer, food, music, and community on August 28 from 3-10pm at Wisconsin Brewing Company.
Read MoreGilda’s Saved Our Family Life
When my husband, Vince, a research physicist was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, we were instantly yanked out of our ordered, information driven, meaningful lives into pure chaos – no logic, minimal information, total disorientation. Thirteen months after his diagnosis, we had experienced two bone marrow transplants, early retirement, divestiture of 80k of our possessions, and…
Read MoreFinding Confidence at Gilda’s Club
In 2013, I was getting weaker, out of breath, losing mental ability, and having other strange symptoms. Little did I know I was dying of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and I also had an indolent cancer. I received chemo just in time. My doctor told me a year later, I had been just a few…
Read MoreGetting Back Up After Cancer Knocks You Down: Melanoma Survivor Shares Post-Treatment Struggles, Successes
Written by: Chris Malina, as originally published in the winter edition of The Advances e-newsletter. In the beginning, Renee Zemke got what every newly-diagnosed cancer patient gets: the big binder full of information. It came with the usual stuff: basic definitions, locations of clinics and important phone numbers. But nothing in the materials could prepare…
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