Kathryn: WOW! I can’t believe it’s been a year since participating in my first Wellness House Walk.  So much has happened over the last 12 months with my personal cancer journey.  When I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer January of 2024, I felt scared and unsure of what my future held.  I knew I had to stay positive and trust my new amazing team of doctors at Rush.  I’ll never forget the whirlwind of events between my diagnosis in January and my first chemo treatment that was just 3 short weeks later on February 8^th 2024.  There was so many doctors’ appointments, phone calls and tests to be conducted.  I also had my port surgery which was necessary for me to start receiving chemo treatments.  I really didn’t have any downtime to take a breath and really understand what this cancer journey was going to entail.

By the end of February, I was starting to feel more at peace with my cancer diagnosis.  My outlook was positive and I physically felt really good.  My mind and body felt strong and I was ready to fight this cancer!  During one of my oncology appointments, my doctor asked if I had been in touch with Wellness House.  At the time, I didn’t know anything about the Wellness House or the amazing programs they offered to people affected my cancer.

On March 2^nd 2024, my husband Joe and I had our official Wellness House orientation where we learned about the amazing organization and the various programs they had to offer.  We couldn’t believe this incredible resource was available to us and only a short drive to Hinsdale a neighboring town from our home.  The DAILY array of diverse programs that are offered virtually and in person are beyond impressive.  From counseling, nutrition, wellness, stress management, exercise and education there is something for everyone.  Wellness House envisions a community where all people affected by cancer thrive. Offered at no cost and as a complement to medical treatment, their programs educate, support, and empower participants so they will improve their physical and emotional well-being. 

Wellness House has been such an amazing resource for me throughout my personal ongoing cancer journey. I’m not sure how I would feel both mentally or physically without the support and comfort I have found through the Wellness House.  Over the past year I have completed 2 rounds of chemo, had a double mastectomy and 25 radiation treatments.  I’m looking forward to finishing up my 3^rd and (hopefully) final round of chemo on April 8^th and breast reconstruction in August.  The Wellness House has been there for me through all of these phases of my breast cancer journey and couldn’t feel more blessed.

Here’s some of the many programs I’ve had the pleasure to experience at Wellness House over the past year…

Exercise programs – Beginner mat yoga, open gym and strength training during cancer

Cooking classes – Mexican cooking with Emily, Knife skills, Cook Well Eat Well for Cancer Series, Transitioning to a Cancer Fighting Diet Series, Walk and Brunch, Sushi Making with Nabuki, Puerto Rican cooking with Madeline

Nutrition classes – Benefits of nuts/seeds, Spring Gardening Planting Greens

Stress management programs – Survivorship Series for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, Sound Bowl Meditation

Unique Boutique – Glowing through it workshop, Complimentary wig and hair styling, Clean Beauty Tips for Cancer Patients, Reiki, Massage, Healing Energy Touch

I’m so grateful for the Wellness House!  I hope my story brings new understanding of what they offer and how they help so many people that are affected by cancer.  2025 marks their 35 year anniversary in which they have served over 55,000 individuals.  How remarkable?! 

Please show your support by donating on my fundraising page.  Better yet, if you can walk with our team Beautiful Badass on Sunday, May 4^th I would love to see you!  There’s also an option to set up a fundraising page and “Walk your way” which you chose time and place of your walk if you can’t be in person on May 4^th. 

Thank you for your donation and support!  I and Wellness House appreciate it. XOXO

The Wellness House provides complete cancer care - every step of the way. Whether you have cancer, or you are caring for a friend or family member who is diagnosed with cancer, all are welcome at Wellness House. More than 520 programs are provided each month, both online and in person, to improve physical and emotional well-being and give people with cancer a support network like no other. 

Because of the Walk, and the generous donations of individuals and businesses, everything at Wellness House is provided free of charge, providing one less thing to worry about when struggling with a cancer. That's why we have joined the Walk and why we ask you to join our team or give what you can to support people in the fight for their lives.