In honor of my mom this coming Mother’s Day, I have agreed to the ridiculous idea of rappelling off of the side of a building to raise money for Gilda‘s club of Kentuckiana. As many of you know, I lost my mother to cancer on May 1, 2010. Thanks to Gilda‘s Club’s programming, she battled cancer with a wonderful support group that provided her with strength, dignity, love, and humor. Gilda’s Club even opened its doors to her friends and family after her funeral to celebrate her life. Although that was my introduction to Gilda’s Club, I have had the honor of serving on its Board of Directors for several years. What I have learned during my time on the board is powerful. My mother’s experience was not unique. Gilda’s Club serves anyone and everyone who is experiencing a cancer journey, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and—thanks to technology—location.

Gilda’s Club knows that cancer sucks for everyone, and it provides its support to all free of charge.If you knew my mother, please consider donating to the cause in her honor. If you didn’t know her, that’s OK: I know you, too, have been impacted by cancer and know how hard it is on the patient and family members. Gilda’s Club is there for them, too.