In this day and age of uncertainty a few things remain constant. Cancer and grief take no vacation.  That is why I spent the last 8 of my 40+ years in charitable fundraising and planned giving for Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, a truly worthwhile endeavor.

The commitment to the mission of providing free emotional support services for individuals diagnosed with and currently on a cancer journey is a very important and necessary effort.  Not everyone survives the journey and navigating the ensuing grief and loss becomes nearly insurmountable for some. In fact that loss can be a huge hurdle regardless of whether it comes from cancer or due to any cause.  Again, I am so grateful to live in a community that recognizes the impact and makes provision for negative results of cancer and grief.

Let me be clear.  The Gilda's Club mission really hit home when my wife, Susan, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.  That's when I understood the emotional side of the journey like never before.  Susan was blessed to survive her journey and I have re-doubled my efforts to encourage support for the organization wherever and whenever possible.

This September 28, 2024 Gilda's Club will be hosting our 10th Anniversary of the West Side Walk for Gilda's Club.  It would mean a ton to me if you would join me in this effort to keep Gilda's Club financially viable and free to all who use our services, perhaps in their darkest hour.  If you want to pay by credit card, you can do that on this page.  If you prefer to write a check, please send it with my name in the memo line to Gilda's Club at 1806 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids 49504.