Gilda's Club Madison

12/23/2025

Join us Friday, January 9, from 6–7:30 PM for a fun winter hike at Elver Park (1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison). We’ll provide snowshoe rentals and a pass; just bring yourself and dress warm for the snow (hat, mittens, scarf, winter coat, snow pants, etc).

Register to reserve your spot here: tinyurl.com/snowshoeingwithgildas

12/20/2025

The Gilda's Run/Walk is about more than crossing a finish line. It’s about the joy, connection, and moments that remind us why community matters. Thank you to Super Balloon Man (Paint My Face), James The Magician, Lee from Ruth's Chris Steak House - Madison / Middleton, WI, and Talia from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. for helping create those moments. From Benny the Pin at Spare Time Madison to a princess visit from A Moment of Magic at Wisconsin and a Justice For A Cure Warrior moment, every detail made an impact. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, runners, walkers, fundraisers, and volunteers who make this day possible.

12/18/2025

Your gift can be matched and go twice as far! Our original pool of matching dollars has already been met, but a generous group of donors will match the next $5,000 in donations through December 31st. This means that your gift of $100 could provide THREE FULL MONTHS of support for a Wisconsinite facing what is likely the biggest challenge of their lives!

Please make your gift today: https://www.gildasclubmadison.org/donate/

Aaron was nine years old at the time his dad was diagnosed. “My dad, who used to chase me around the house, shoot hoops with me outside, and go on 100+ mile bike rides frequently, was now spending more time on the couch, energy drained from all of his treatment. I don't remember much, but I do remember wondering if things will ever go back to normal.”

His dad, Adam, knew that he and his children needed more support. They needed to find a sense of normalcy amidst all of the disruption. So, they joined Gilda’s Club. They started coming to Family Night each Tuesday.

They ate a volunteer-prepared meal before going into their separate areas- a support group for Adam, and Kid Support for the kids. In Kid Support, they got to discuss topics like how to talk about your feelings and the differences between different types of cancer.

Your gift today will make programs like Family Night available at no cost. Whatever their age, whether they personally have a diagnosis or are the loved one of someone with a diagnosis, your gift makes this welcoming community possible for anyone, anywhere on their cancer journey.

For Aaron, who is now in the 12th grade, experiencing his dad having cancer has had a lasting impact. “Through the hard times, countless acts of kindness were made toward my dad and my family....these small acts of kindness brought me and my family just a little bit closer to “normal”,” he remembers.

Thank you to everyone who has already given as part of the match challenge! You prove that community is stronger than cancer.

12/15/2025

Whether you’ve participated in a support program, attended an event, or volunteered with Gilda's Club, your experience matters. Sharing your story can help others in our community find the support they need.

If Gilda's Club has made a difference for you, please consider leaving a positive review on Google. Your voice helps us grow our impact and strengthen our mission.

https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJs1DAZdGoB4gRVmMPSfdfqMo

12/13/2025

“For most of us, hearing those three unforgettable words, ‘You have cancer’ is like your worst phobia covered in pythons and crawling with tarantulas,” shares Adam, Gilda’s Club member.

Adam was diagnosed with cancer back in 2017. Despite being a doctor, the words came as a shock. He was young, he felt healthy. He went from living the life of a healthy dad to three young kids to having surgery within 48 hours.

You know the importance of having a community of support after hearing those frightening words. You understand the whirlwind of logistics and emotions that someone faces when they realize their whole world has turned upside-down.

And, now, thanks to a group of generous donors, your gift can be matched and go twice as far! Our original pool of matching dollars has already been met, but a group of donors will match the next $5,000 in donations through December 31st. This means that your gift of $100 could provide THREE FULL MONTHS of support for a Wisconsinite facing what is likely the biggest challenge of their lives!

Please consider making a contribution today and have your gift go twice as far. Your gift today makes sure that our programs are available at no charge to anyone touched by cancer: www.GildasClubMadison.org/Donate

Adam knew that he and his children needed more support. They needed to find a sense of normalcy amidst all of the disruption. So, they joined Gilda’s Club. They started coming to Family Night each Tuesday.

“There was just this incredible sense of community and togetherness. A feeling of inclusion,” Adam remembers. “Getting to hear from people in all different parts of their cancer journey was really remarkable.”

Cancer never fully goes away. But, with your support, you can help others learn how to live with and beyond their cancer.

Thank you to everyone who has already given as a part of the match challenge- you prove that community is stronger than cancer!

12/12/2025

I began volunteering at Gilda’s Club when my supervisor suggested I join her in what was then called the “Goodie Gang”. In 2008, volunteers actually created the menu, made the meal, served it buffet style, and did clean-up.

I also wanted to see for myself what Gilda’s Club was about. I had heard good things from my supervisor. I lost my Dad to lung/brain cancer in 1988, and my younger brother had just been diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer. My Mother was a breast cancer survivor. They were too far away to take advantage of the programs provided by Gilda’s Club, so I was anxious to see actual members taking advantage. Their love of Gilda’s Club became very apparent to me as I saw them week after week.

To continue reading Terri's blog, visit our website: https://tinyurl.com/terrivolunteerstory

12/11/2025

Thank you to our Giving Tuesday match challenge donors. You helped raise nearly $15,000 towards making Everyday Adventures possible throughout next year!

We already have a couple of Everyday Adventures on the calendar for 2026, including snowshoeing, spring ephemerals hike, and spring foraging. Stay tuned for even more adventures as we continue planning for 2026- adventures that our Giving Tuesday donors made possible!

Check out what's coming up at www.GildasClubMadison.org/Calendar.

12/09/2025

This past Friday, we spent a beautiful morning slowing down and reconnecting with ourselves during our Morning of Intention. Participants explored intentional self-care through three restorative workshops centered on physical, creative, and mental well-being.

A heartfelt thank-you to Kathleen Conklin for guiding our mindfulness and breathwork session, Jamie Steckelberg for leading Write to Heal, and Molly Linn-Miller for sharing the power of therapeutic art. And a special shout-out to Forage Kitchen for generously providing a delicious lunch.

Experiences like this are only possible because of the continued support of our incredible community—we’re so grateful. 💛

Stay tuned to our program calendar for more opportunities to nurture yourself: www.GildasClubMadison.org/Calendar

12/07/2025

Corporate Giving Spotlight Pt. 1: Building a Greener Future, Together

Our Signature Events thrive because of partners who believe in a healthier, more sustainable Wisconsin—not just for our members facing cancer, but for the broader community we serve.

In 2025, we deepened our Zero Waste Initiatives with the support of two incredible partners:
Green Box Compost, which donated onsite compost services
Exact Sciences, which provided expertise on logistics and compostable materials to make responsible waste diversion possible

Together, they helped us divert:
70 lbs at the Backyard BBQ
89 lbs at Gilda’s Run/Walk
100 lbs (estimated) at the Red Doors Golf Outing

Speaking of green(s)...the Golf Outing is especially unique, bringing together 21 flavorful, creative local tasting vendors who make each hole at Nakoma memorable and fun. More food and beverage sampling means more potential waste, and thanks to our partners, we’re able to turn that impact into something positive.

We also want to celebrate a few standout supporters who help make this day shine:
Milio's Sandwiches for nourishing our volunteers with donated lunches
William Thomas Jewelers for offering beautiful auction items + Hole-In-One prize support
Zimbrick Nissan for adding excitement with additional Hole-In-One opportunities

Sustainability, generosity, and community partnership—this is corporate giving at its best.

12/05/2025

It's your last chance to have your gift matched for twice the adventure!

Today, December 5th, is the final day of the Giving Tuesday match challenge. Our goal is to raise $17,000 to provide Everyday Adventures throughout all of 2026. A generous group of donors will DOUBLE every donation we receive from December 1st through December 5th, up to $8,500.

Please consider making a gift today: www.GildasClubMadison.org/GivingTuesday

Everyday Adventures allows Wisconsinites touched by cancer to connect with both each other and the healing power of nature. What are Everyday Adventures through Gilda's Club? These experiences might include foraging, a guided hike, tree climbing, or canoeing. They offer individuals touched by cancer an opportunity to be present, reset, reconnect with themselves and others, and begin to feel whole again. Best of all, they are provided entirely at no charge to those impacted by cancer.

Thank you to everyone who has already given to this campaign! You will help families touched by cancer find healing and connection in nature.

12/03/2025

It's not too late to make your donation go twice as far!

Our goal is to raise $17,000 to provide Everyday Adventures throughout all of 2026. A generous group of donors will DOUBLE every donation we receive from December 1st through December 5th, up to $8,500.

We are currently 56% towards our goal- will you help us get the rest of the way there?

Please consider making a gift today: www.GildasClubMadison.org/GivingTuesday

Gilda's Club member Tom, who has attended several Everyday Adventures, shares, "When you have cancer, you're always worried," he shares. "But you can go into nature, and those worries just disappear."

Thank you to everyone who has already given to this campaign! You will help families touched by cancer find healing and connection in nature.

12/03/2025

A huge thank you to 27 for spotlighting our Giving Tuesday campaign!

There is still time to be a part of the adventure! You have the opportunity to provide unique adventures for those touched by cancer- and have your gift matched for twice the impact! Our goal is to raise $17,000 to provide Everyday Adventures throughout all of 2026. A generous group of donors will DOUBLE every donation we receive from December 1st through December 5th, up to $8,500.

MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) – In honor of Giving Tuesday, Gilda's Club is highlighting its impactful work supporting those affected by cancer. Lindsey Dalton of Gilda's Club shared insights into the