Wellness House set anchor in Hinsdale 35 years ago and has served more than 50,000 people in that time.
Its stated mission is to be “a community where all people affected by cancer thrive. Offered at no cost and as a complement to medical treatment, our programs educate, support, and empower participants so they will improve their physical and emotional well-being.”
The fact that Wellness House began in a small Hinsdale House and has maintained its presence in a house setting, rather than a different type of structure, for the past several years at 131 N. County Line Road is not a coincidence.
“When people come in, it doesn’t feel like they are going into a hospital,” said Deb Kwiatt, marketing communications manager. “The neighborhood creates a warm and welcoming environment for all who come to us.”
Kwiatt said Wellness House was initially started by a group of people who saw first-hand the impact of cancer on family and friends. Not long after, local builder Phil Dressler and Wellness House board member Jim Caplice coordinated the solicitation, delivery, scheduling and vision needed over the 30 months needed to make the permanent home a reality.
“Together, Phil and Jim made sure that Wellness House was a shared vision,” Kwiatt said. “Whatever the material, whatever the idea, whenever labor was available, the giver was welcome, and the gift became part of the house. Wellness House, like a home, is a place of comfort, safety, joy and community.”
She said the house was built with contributions of material, labor, and talent from 300 contractors and suppliers and 1,200 technicians.
“These very special people combined their talents to produce a complete $2 million facility at no cost to Wellness House,” Kwiatt said.
And as it celebrates its 35th anniversary, Wellness House continues to operate through donations and grants, along with the annual Wellness House Walk, set this year for May 4 with registration starting in February.
Kwiatt said Wellness House provides 525 monthly in person and online programs at 30 partner agencies in neighborhoods throughout the region.
Therese Niedzielski, of Downers Grove, has developed a deep appreciation for Wellness House after being diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2017, and even beyond when her treatment ended 10 months later.
“Throughout this journey, as I visited with my team of doctors, I noticed the theme of the Wellness House in the waiting rooms. The doctors had the physical issues under control, but I wasn’t sure how to physiologically deal with this unexpected diagnosis,” she said.
A doctor suggested that she call Jeri Lau, senior oncology exercise specialist at Wellness House.
“Jeri welcomed me to observe her class, then she recommended I attend the networking group that evening,” Niedzielski said. After attending an orientation, she “was amazed at the many resources offered at the Wellness House.”
“It was a whirlwind after that,” Niedzielski said. “I felt so lost and overwhelmed, but at the same time, I felt understood. I was, and still am, so grateful for the leaders, instructors, staff and other cancer patients and survivors I met during this time.”
While she was in treatment, she participated in exercise and mind/body classes, nutrition classes, seminars and the networking group.
“The support and understanding I experienced helped me to navigate this unforeseen journey,” she said. “It takes a certain kind of person to work with those affected by cancer. I feel so lucky to have met such caring and talented people.”
Wellness House participants surveyed in 2024 indicated that 97% reported an increased sense of well-being, 98% reported an increase in overall quality of life, and 92% reported an increase in the ability to explore and identify meaning and purpose in their life.
After 35 years, Wellness House programs continue to evolve “as the experience of cancer continues to change and evolve,” said Lisa Kolavennu Wellness House CEO.
“We know that the incidence of cancer will continue to increase, as will the total number of people living with the impacts of cancer and its treatment,” she said. “We will continue to pursue and implement solutions that minimize barriers and increase access to our life-changing programs, so that all people impacted by cancer may thrive.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
