What does it take to provide a world-class experience for the guests at Kathy's House? It takes a lean and mighty staff, it takes committed volunteers and it takes all of our donors. Today we're hearing first hand from staff about their work, their commitment and the joy they receive from guests at Kathy's House. 

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Cindy Bielefeldt finds balance, joy and community in creating art. So much so, that when she found herself at Kathy’s House for 6 weeks while her husband was receiving treatment she started a watercolor painting class for other guests. 

Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at [email protected].

Russel “Rusty” Konkol, is 70 years old, was born and raised in Amherst Junction, WI, population 377. He and his wife Linda, a retired nurse, raised 5 boys and a girl on the family homestead. Their sons all grew up to be pharmacists. Their daughter became a nurse.

Rusty was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in May 2024

The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network began offering a new treatment to patients with advanced melanoma just six months ago called TILS Therapy. 

Rusty is the first person in Wisconsin to receive that treatment.  

That’s what brought them to Kathy’s House. Rusty and Linda share a little about their family, hobbies, their journey to Milwaukee and, their stay at Kathy’s House and I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at [email protected].

Sheila and Gerald, guests at Kathy's House, wanted to find a way to build community during their stay. They came up with bingo night, a monthly event to bring guests together to just have fun.

"I just wanted everyone to have a happy and memorable moment." says Sheila.

On a chilly December night, I chat with Sheila and Gerald, who arrived in August. I also play bingo with Tina, another guest, who explains why she and her husband are at Kathy's House. After bingo ends, I wrap up my visit with a tally of bingo tales with Sheila.

Follow us at _kathyshouse on X; kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at [email protected].

This year alone, thanks to our donors, we have supported 1,366 families. Each guest who stays with us experiences firsthand the wave of kindness and comfort from volunteers, staff and most importantly—from each other. So with the holidays upon us, Kathy’s House would like to share our gratitude with listeners. Here’s just some of the notes we’ve received from guests read by Kathy’s House staff and volunteers.

Visit Kathy's House to learn more. 

Renee Stadler, a Kathy's House volunteer for sixteen years, shares her experiences as a volunteer and a caregiver. While volunteering, she worked as a respiratory therapist, as a teacher of the next generation of therapists, and raised two daughters. 

If you'd like to learn more about how to volunteer at Kathy's House, visit, https://kathys-house.org/help/volunteer/ 

Alyssa, Jackie, Jen and Dr. Dan Heffez, neurosurgeon with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, join us on the podcast. The same diagnosis brought them to Milwaukee for brain surgery at three separate times. Chiari Malformations are lower brain abnormalities that can affect a person is any number of ways, from headaches to dizziness, weakness, anxiety and depression. They compare stories, provide insight into their medical odysseys, chat with their doc (no medical questions!) and remind us all of the importance of support and never giving up. The gals also recommend Chiari Malformation Support Group on Facebook.

This past March, the Kathy’s House board of directors announced that Kim Lamansky joined the organization as its new President & CEO. Lamansky brings a wealth of experience and is excited to partner with the staff, board of directors, donors, and many volunteers to advance the organization’s mission of providing affordable lodging and supportive services for individuals and families who must travel to Milwaukee for critical medical care. 

Cascading encouragement are the words Tom and Carol Titzkowski use to describe the feeling at Kathy's House. They join us from their home in Combined Locks, located about 30 minutes south of Green Bay, Wisconsin. When Tom’s treatment plan for cancer required him to stay in Milwaukee for 100 days, he and his wife looked at all of their options. One look at Kathy’s House and they knew they were home.

Security may be defined by the state of being free from danger or threat, but we all know it’s so much more than that – especially at Kathy’s House. Louise Kidd, security officer at Kathy’s House, offers us a peek at her responsibilities and the many moments of joy she feels in her role.