In March 2002 my baby sister, Lauren, was diagnosed at 13 years old with a Primitive Neuroectodermal (PNET) tumor. What followed were weeks spent in the hospital for surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments, and various issues such as low platelet counts. Since this was 2002, the internet was still in its infancy and our family had very little resources connecting us to the broader cancer community in Louisville. My parents found support through other families and staff on 7 West but little connection to those who had gone through this ordeal and come out the other side. It would be another 2 years before a Gilda's Club would open here in Louisville. We are thrilled to know that both cancer patients and their families have a place to receive emotional and therapeutic support, and have fun along the way with the incredible programming Gilda's provides.

Twenty years later, Lauren (affectionately known as 'Lola'), is doing well with her husband and 2 boys in Chicago. We are eternally grateful to organizations such as Gilda's Club that support families like ours and contribute cancer research. We hope that you'll dip into that piggy bank a bit to give back, as well!