I joined the Board of Directors of Gilda’s Club Quad Cities this summer, right as the name was being changed to Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda's Club.  Services are now expanding to include the entire state of Iowa- which means a greater need for fundraising.

I will match any donations made today up to $5,000, doubling your impact.  I feel compelled to give back to an organization that does so much for people affected by cancer, as  it has and will continue to impact me.

My Mom, Heidi, had breast cancer  in 2015.

Our dear friend Melanie battled cancer from the time she graduated college.  We lost her in 2020- she was only 31.

My grandmother had colorectal cancer in 2006, at the same time we lost my grandfather to lung cancer. We lost another grandfather in glioblastoma, very quickly.

I’ve had many other family members have breast cancer. I currently have family and loved ones and neighbors battling cancer. It doesn’t discriminate.

I’m high risk myself, with an almost 60% lifetime chance of breast cancer. I’ve had quite a few scares and biopsies. I do multiple different screenings & tests each year, & am heavily leaning towards a preventative double mastectomy in the next few years. It’s all scary & overwhelming & can make you feel a bit alone.

This organization gives those affected with cancer a community of people that understand what they are going through. It provides education and support groups and meals and wigs and laughter. All of this is at no charge- that’s where you come in. This Giving Tuesday, I’ve been tasked with getting at least 5 people to donate  $25 or more.

 I know there are many good causes to donate to today, but I ask you consider one that means so much to me, and so many in our community. Thank you in advance.