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…
Read MoreGrateful for the Gift of Gilda’s Club
My name is Helen. I am a member, volunteer, and Ambassador at Gilda’s Club Madison. A year after my first breast cancer diagnosis, I felt “ready” for the support and psychosocial, emotional, educational support programming of Gilda’s Club. As I live in the Milwaukee area, I walked in through Gilda’s Club Southeastern Wisconsin, early in…
Read MoreRemembrance Night Helped Me Say Goodbye
My name is Jane and I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 on my 62nd birthday. My husband, Arnie, and I have enjoyed the many programs at Gilda’s. Plus we enjoyed the lasagna, turkey, and various other meals! The meals gave us a chance to catch up with people we’ve met thru Gilda’s programs. I’ve…
Read MoreSamantha’s Story
When I was first diagnosed in July of 2018, I was devastated! I thought there was no way that I could have breast cancer! And not just any breast cancer – Triple Negative Breast Cancer! I wasn’t sure exactly what to do or expect from this new life-changing experience, and a friend of mine had…
Read MoreSwimming 6 Miles for Jack
Cancer has always been around in my life. It’s a nasty, cruel disease. Honestly, I hate cancer more than anything. While my sister and niece are both survivors, my friend Jack wasn’t as lucky. Jack and I met many years ago as our wives had met a few months earlier through the PTA. We had…
Read MoreA Kinship of Understanding: Dick’s Story
Anybody who paints the front doors fire engine red is expecting company. As I walked through these doors for the first time on the way to a Gilda’s Club New Member Meeting, I was still reeling from the recent discovery: I have cancer. I was scared, confused, and angry that I was suddenly confronting the…
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