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One Family's Story
Linda Estes
Gilda's Club Member
I have been coming to Gilda's Club for over 5 years. I personally have not suffered from this disease, but cancer has touched my life in many ways: through my father, two aunts, two brothers-in-law, an uncle and several friends. Some survived, some didn't. People often ask me when I started to paint. I tell them that all children paint when they are small and most people stop at some point or another. I never did. When I came to Jordi's class at Gilda's he did what he does with most newcomers. Since I didn't tell him I paint, he gave me paper and tempra paints. When he saw what I was doing, he said, "You can paint. Next time you will use oils." I felt a little intimidated because I always painted with acrylics and changing to a new medium can be frustrating. Jordi encouraged me all the way. He has been an inspiration and helped me get over being shy or critical of my work. He brought me from painting what I see, to painting what I feel, a huge transformation to my work and confidence. Jordi is more than a teacher, he is a friend, willing to listen to my concerns, help with problems and he has taught me so much about art and history. He is one of the most giving and selfless people I have met. Also this class has brought a kind of healing to me. I suffer from chronic pain and when using the creative side of my brain, it blocks the pain. It's no wonder Jordi's students get so involved in their work, we don't want to leave at the end of class!
"Cancer Ain't for Everybody."
Last year's Mary L. Weigand Award
winner, Pam Barrett, of Us TOO! Prostate Cancer Network (left) looks on as this
year's winner, Kathleen Casey (right)
of Bear Necessities, accepts the award.
Another successful year, thanks to all of our supporters! This year's Strike at Cancer Fundraiser at MontClare Bowl & Banquets was another rousing success. The Bowling Tournament sold out in record time, with more sponsors than ever before. Attendance was down a bit at the Banquet of Champions, but thanks to the generosity of our donors, we still raised close to $50,000! As always, the event was a celebration of human spirit, from the generosity of donors, sponsors & attendees; to the bowlers who took part in the tournament; to the honorees that shared their heroic stories with us and the volunteers that helped make it all happen.
As usual, the day opened with our Pairs Bowling Tournament, the 13th year for this event. The team of Mark & Chris Cwik of Franklin Park were this year's tournament winners. They are long-time tournament teammates and Mark often helps as a volunteer for our check-in table. First place in the 4-Team Group Division went to Team Heatmasters, captained by Joe Sluzarz with 2nd Place winners, Team Rosemont, captained by Mark Gunnells.
The banquet facility at MontClare provided the venue for our Champions Dinner, where owner Mark Ranallo presented the Foundation with a check for $1300 from this year's "Beat the Champs" Tournament held at MontClare. A long-standing tradition at our event is a ceremony honoring two Tournament Marshals. This year's Caregiver Award was presented to Michele Newby, an oncology nurse at Condell Hospice in Libertyville. The Cancer Patient Marshal was 14-year-old Kyle Michalek, a patient at Children's Memorial Hospital. Kyle also performed a song he wrote for everyone at the event.
This year's Mary L. Weigand Award was presented to Kathleen Casey, founder of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, for her ongoing effort to brighten the lives of children & families living with cancer. This award is given to honor an individual or organization that has distinguished themselves in the ongoing support of those living with cancer, while also embodying the values of family, friend, neighbor, & community.
The band 1969 donated their services as entertainment for this year's event.
the week prior to the fundraiser, to help promote the event.
Raffle winners!
Here are the winners of this year's
Split-the-Pot Raffle:
Teri Urso: $1000
Mike Fahey: $500
$100 winners:
Tammy Miller
Rafe Adona
Al Jones
Jeff Weiner
Gary Richard Jr.
Caregiver Marshal, Michele Newby,
holds her Strike at Cancer Belt.
congratulates last year's Patient Marshal,
Meghan Henry, as this year's Patient Marshal,
Kyle Michalek, holds his belt. Both are patients
at Children's Memorial Hospital. Meghan was
unable to be at the event last year, due to a
double stem cell transplant she underwent
at that time. Today, she is cancer free.
private bet with 2006 Tournament winner,
Luc Wesoloski, that the lower bowler between
them would get a pie in the face in front of
everyone. Luc lost and took the pie, as
Foundation President, Rick Weigand, looks on.Our work continues through our programs and partnerships with other organizations that share in our mission to provide emotional support to cancer patients and their families in our communities. We'll continue to share our progress with you. We can't thank you enough for your support!
silent auctions & entertainment.
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