By Crystal, Gilda’s Club Member I was eight years old when cancer first entered my life. On March 24, 1992, my dad told us he had cancer, and even though I didn’t understand it then, that moment would go on to shape so much of who I am today. My dad went on to battle…
Read MoreFinding Peace and Healing Through Community
By Alyssa, Gilda’s Club member and Ambassador I grew up dreaming of a large family. I had, as a lot of young girls do, lists of baby names for boys and girls (at one point it was a list of six girls names all ending in “iana”) My dreams and hopes changed over the years,…
Read MoreDiscovering the Artist Within
Therapeutic art at Gilda’s Club provides a space for creativity and wellness “I never thought of myself as an artist. It was never a part of my identity. But it is now,” shares Lyn, a regular attendee of therapeutic art at Gilda’s Club. Lyn heard the words “you have cancer” in March 2019. At the…
Read MoreQualified Charitable Distributions 101- An Update for 2025
By Gerry Klump, Former Enrolled Agent and Gilda’s Club volunteer Fall is here and time for some yearend tax planning. This year, even if you don’t itemize, you are able to deduct on your federal tax return charitable contributions of up to $2,000 for married filing jointly and $1,000 for single filers. Any remaining charitable…
Read MoreMonday Morning Magic
Longtime volunteers Ginny Lee and Bill Kerwin keep the Gilda’s community strong Ginny Lee and Bill Kerwin have both worn many different hats at Gilda’s Club. You may know Bill as an ice-cream scooper, a handyman, or part of the fundraising events set-up crew. You may know Ginny as the Run/Walk course volunteer coordinator, kitchen…
Read MoreFrom Bubbles to Breakthroughs: How Volunteering at Gilda’s Club Helped Marah Bengston Discover Her Calling
Written by Andrea Plassman, Gilda’s Club volunteer When Marah Bengston first stepped through the red doors of Gilda’s Club Madison, she was searching for a way to strengthen her medical school applications. She had no idea she was about to find so much more—meaningful relationships, a deeper purpose, and the spark that would ignite a…
Read More“I realized I wasn’t alone at all.”
by Hattie Wood Here I am, 17 and facing college. Wanting to give back and gain volunteer experience, I called up an old friend: Gilda’s Club. Years ago, it had been a place of comfort and understanding for my family. Now, I am returning, this time as a volunteer. Many Tuesday nights, I took a…
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