As we mark our 35th anniversary, I find myself reflecting not just on how far Wellness House has come, but on the thousands of people who have walked through our doors seeking connection, understanding, and support. Since 1990, more than 52,000 individuals and families have participated in our programs, each bringing their own story and finding their own path forward.
For more than three decades, the Haarlow family name has been woven into the story of Wellness House. Their involvement began before our doors officially opened—around kitchen tables and early planning conversations with founders like Dorothy Ernest. What started with Blair and Lauren’s parents offering their support soon became a family tradition that shaped the future of Wellness House.
For 35 years, Wellness House has stood as a leader in supportive oncology—providing thousands of people with free programs that address the emotional, physical, and social challenges of cancer. At the heart of this work are staff members like Michael Williams, Psy.D., whose dedication and expertise help transform our mission into meaningful, everyday experiences for participants.
At Wellness House, healing is not just a destination, it’s a journey walked together, side by side, in a community of care. Maria and Felipe’s story is a beautiful reflection of that truth.
When Karen walks through the doors of Wellness House, she’s not thinking about herself. She’s thinking about her daughter, Avery, and her son, Benjamin—about giving them something strong to stand on while everything else in life feels uncertain.
The three were attending a showcase at Wellness House’s location in University of Illinois at Chicago’s Mile Square Health Center when they discovered Janice had been friends with Yolanda’s sister, who died from Covid while being treated for multiple myeloma.
“After that day, we became instant family,” Janice said.
People often speak of the things that cancer takes away. Janice Little, Yolanda Johnson and Kendall Perry are living proof of what it can provide.
The three were attending a showcase at Wellness House’s location in University of Illinois at Chicago’s Mile Square Health Center when they discovered Janice had been friends with Yolanda’s sister, who died from Covid while being treated for multiple myeloma.
“After that day, we became instant family,” Janice said.
As we celebrate 35 years of hope at Wellness House, we are honored to shine a light on the extraordinary people who make this community what it is. Few embody that spirit more deeply than Pat Janik—a longtime volunteer whose quiet, steady presence has helped thousands of participants feel supported the moment they walk through our doors.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
As the baby of her family, Maria Villafuerte is accustomed to being cared for and protected by her two older sisters. But when it came to facing her life post-cancer, Maria found she needed more.