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A Warm Welcome For All

    Josette Cray: A Warm Welcome for All 

    At the front desk of Wellness House, Josette Cray has answered phones, greets visitors, and has offered a smile that makes everyone feel at home. For Josette, volunteering isn’t just about logistics; it’s about connection. “You’re the first person a participant sees when they walk in the door,” she says. “I like being the person who makes them feel welcome.” 

    Josette began volunteering more than 12 years ago, inspired by her family’s experiences with cancer and a desire to give back. Since then, she has been a steady, comforting presence—offering encouragement, calm, and compassion to those navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. 

    Beyond the front desk, Josette mentors new volunteers, represents Wellness House at community events, and brings holiday cheer to the building each winter. Through every season and challenge—including adapting to new technology during COVID—she embodies the kindness and resilience that define Wellness House. 

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    A Place Like No Other

      At Wellness House, hope is not a distant promise. It is something you feel the moment you walk through the door. For Johnny, navigating life with cancer in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, that moment came when he least expected it and exactly when he needed it most.  

      “When I first heard about Wellness House, I didn’t take the time to really look through the materials,” Johnny admits. “I thought, ‘I’ve got too much going on to be going to some program.’” But the nurses at his hospital kept mentioning it, particularly one young woman who wouldn’t give up on him.

      Finding Strength Through Every Season

        Jackie’s journey with cancer began in 2021 with a diagnosis that shook her world—but not her spirit. “At first, I was shocked. But something in me said, ‘You have to do this. Be strong,’” she recalls. From her home on the South Side of Chicago, Jackie faced each stage of her breast cancer treatment with a quiet determination, fueled by her faith, her family, and the love of her husband, Todd—and their 12-year-old rescue dog, Bella. 

        Jim McMahon: A Legacy of Leadership and Commitment 

          Throughout the history of Wellness House, a few extraordinary leaders have left a lasting imprint on the organization’s growth and direction. Jim McMahon is one of those individuals—an inspiring leader whose vision, dedication, and steady hand helped Wellness House flourish during its formative years.