Dreamers – Cheri Jones
When we look at today’s Wellness House, it can be hard to imagine that 35 years ago, the organization did not exist except in a small group of community members’ imaginations. Those early dreamers believed profoundly in the need for this resource. They were not sure, however, that such an organization could ever be successfully created and sustained.
Cheri Jones was one of those early dreamers. Her unique perspective to the vision and decisions of those early planners laid the groundwork for Wellness House today. Cheri’s understanding of cancer’s impact – physical, emotional, and financial was both personal and professional. As a teenager, she watched her mother struggle with the disease. Years later, Cheri’s public health career led her to Hinsdale Hospital as founding director of its cancer center. When she first discussed with colleagues and patients what she saw as a gap in cancer care, she received broad agreement and offers to help. Years of regular planning meetings followed. What Cheri and this enthusiastic, growing group did not have, though, was the funding and skilled staff
Cheri Jones needed to navigate the fragility of a fledgling organization in its very early years.
Cheri had a distinct memory of standing outside the hospital one evening, tears of frustration in her eyes, wondering if Wellness House would ever amount to anything more than spirited discussions and small-scale fundraising efforts. In the end, Cheri and her fellow planners connected with people who leveraged their networks and committed to ambitious development goals. A local attorney stepped up to handle legal work that would otherwise distract the team. A potential location was identified, and a dozen people pledged to cover a month’s mortgage. Eventually, the existing small cottages were demolished, and construction, labor and materials were donated to build the house we enjoy today.
Cheri recognizes the big and small miracles that made Wellness House happen. Favorable timing, the right contacts, a growing recognition of a support network’s role in cancer care – all played a part. But Cheri also finds inspiration in how the founders’ intentional decision-making and policies continue to sustain and strengthen this organization. Cheri Jones used her passion to inspire others with their own passions and gifts to give, ultimately igniting a legacy of comprehensive care and community support. Thank you to Cheri and all the dreamers like her that make Wellness House a place of hope and healing every day!
