2024 Gilda's Family Walk & 5k Run

This wasn't how our life was supposed to play out. Don't get me wrong, some parts turned out exactly right. I married an amazing man, we had two terrific children, we shared our passion of culinary arts, life was good. But on September 27, 2018 everything changed. That is the day my husband Jim lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. Truth be told, he barely had time to fight this dreaded disease because by the time he was diagnosed, Jim's body was filled with cancer. So much so, they couldn't even find a place to stent his liver for chemo. Jim's cancer journey could be summed up very simply: A month from diagnosis to death. We didn't even have a chance to start the battle because next thing we knew, Jim was gone. Just 53 years old and his life and the life we once knew was over. My world, our children's world along with the world of our siblings, cousins and friends would never be the same. Five and a half years later, those words are still true. I walked around in a fog for about five months, realizing I needed help and something had to give. Unsure where to turn, I thought maybe Gilda's club could help me maneuver this new life that was thrust upon me. My Aunt Geri Lester was one of the eight Gilda's Club Metro Detroit founders. Our family always supported this charity and I really believed that I understood their mission. I was so wrong. I honestly had no idea how many people actually received support from Gilda's Club. It was one of those things where you made a donation, participated in a fundraiser and said a silent prayer hoping that you never needed their services. But the joke was on me, I really needed their help. Nervous, scared and overwhelmed the night of my first Spouses Bereavement group meeting, my cousin Stefany came with me for moral support. I remember crying through most of that first meeting, in a room filled with strangers, wondering how this was ever going to help me deal with my grief. But with the support and encouragement of my circle of friends and family, they convinced me to give the program a chance. The strangers who passed me the box of Kleenex that first night are no longer strangers but friends who support me in my personal and professional life, who always seem to know just what to say and who continue to hold my hand through my grief journey. So how do you thank a community who asks for nothing in return? How do you show your appreciation to a community who was and is there for you? How do you ensure that this community is available so no one ever has to face cancer alone? You walk! You run! You donate! If there is one common thread when it comes to my grief and the grief of my family and friends its that Jim's death left us feeling helpless. So we decided to create a team for Gilda's Family Walk & 5K Run: Team Chef Happy. Named after the man who asked for nothing and gave so much of himself. The man who quietly loved and supported his friends and family, never looking for credit or attention. I am proud to say that last year, Team Chef Happy raised over $17,000. So whether you decide to donate to our team, walk with our team or do both, we appreciate any and all support. Unfortunately, we cannot bring Jim back. Our four grandchildren will never know their Papa Jim. We will never celebrate birthdays or holidays together. Life will never be the same. But what we can do is keep our beloved chef's memory alive and make him proud while helping Gilda's Club help those touched by cancer.💜