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.
After 36 years of teaching, Pat was searching for a new way to give back when life changed course—she was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy, and recovery, Pat felt called to help others on their own cancer journeys. When she spotted a Wellness House volunteer notice in the Chicago Tribune, she knew she had found the place she belonged.
Pat became an essential part of the daily heartbeat of Wellness House. From restocking supplies and preparing program spaces to ensuring every corner felt welcoming. Her optimism, energy, and gratitude created an atmosphere of comfort and calm.
“It was the perfect fit for me,” Pat shares. “I’m a survivor, and this was my payback for being so blessed.”
As we mark 35 years of delivering free cancer support, we celebrate Pat and the countless volunteers who make this mission possible. Her dedication reminds us that hope is built not only through programs, but through people—one caring act at a time.
