2025 Gilda's Family Walk & 5k Run

I never wanted a story. I was quite happy the way things were. And trust me, cancer was NEVER part of the plan. But not only did I get a story—cancer was the author. We were empty nesters. Both kids had just gotten married. Life was good. There was even talk of a big trip for our 30th anniversary. Jim’s shoulder surgery was behind us, and now we could plan. You know what they say… you plan and G‑d laughs.

On September 27, 2018, my world came crashing down. That’s the day my husband, my person, my business partner, and my best friend, Jim, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. There was no time to fight—by the time he was diagnosed, it was everywhere: tissue, bone, liver, pancreas. No treatments, no options, no hope. The doctor said “maybe six months.” He was wrong. Jim’s cancer journey lasted one month—from diagnosis to death. He was just 53.

I walked around in a fog for five months. I was sad, angry, overwhelmed, and scared. I knew I needed help. The sadness was unbearable, and I wasn’t useful to anyone—not even myself. I had to find a way to fit into the life that was thrust upon me.  I turned to Gilda’s Club. My Aunt Geri Lester was one of the founding members of Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit. Our family had always supported the organization, but I didn’t truly understand what they offered until I needed them. I thought it was just a place for donations and fundraisers—something you hoped you’d never need. But suddenly, I did need them.  I was nervous and overwhelmed my first night at the Spousal Bereavement group. My cousin came with me for moral support. We climbed the big staircase together and there I met Laura Varon Brown, the Executive Director. She promised it would be okay and I so badly wanted to believe her.  There I was, crying through most of the meeting, surrounded by strangers, wondering how this could possibly help. The meeting was held in Geri’s room, which brought me some peace—but I didn’t want to go back. My friends and family urged me to try again.  I did. And over time, the strangers who passed me the Kleenex became my friends. We share a common thread: spouse, cancer, grief. Their understanding is unmatched and these people continue to walk beside me through my grief, knowing exactly what to say and when to say it.

So how do you thank a community that asks for nothing? How do you show appreciation to people who were—and are—there for you without hesitation? How do you make sure no one has to face cancer alone?  You walk. You run. You donate.  After Jim died, we felt helpless. That’s why we created Team Chef Happy for the Gilda’s Family Walk & 5K Run. Named for the man who asked for nothing and gave everything. Jim was quiet, generous, and kind—he supported everyone around him without ever asking for attention or praise.

Team Chef Happy is proud to be participating in our fifth Gilda’s Family Walk. It started with just friends and family. Now, it includes people walking in honor or memory of their own loved ones, too.  There’s no question we are stronger together. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need help. Whether you choose to run, walk, cheer us on, or simply donate, we are grateful for your support.  We can’t bring back the ones we’ve lost. My grandchildren will never know their Papa Jim. He won’t be there for birthdays or holidays. He’ll never walk into our bakery. Life is forever changed.  But what we can do is keep his memory alive and make him proud by supporting Gilda’s Club and helping others touched by cancer.  💜