Every family’s cancer journey is different. This is Dion’s story.

When families first walk through the doors of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, they often arrive carrying more than a cancer diagnosis. They bring uncertainty, exhaustion, hope, fear, and questions about what comes next. Our mission is simple yet powerful: so that no one faces cancer alone.

For Dion, that mission has shaped his family’s life through nearly a decade of extraordinary challenges. Today, after years of participating in Gilda’s Club programs and now serving as a volunteer Greeter at our Grinstead Clubhouse, Dion continues to strengthen our community with his kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others feel welcome.

Dion has a smile that lights up the room. He has an infectious positive energy and is genuinely curious about others. Introducing himself, he says, ‘’I volunteer at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana as a Greeter at the Grinstead Drive location. I’ve been married to my wife Angie for 37 years. We’re the proud parents of three sons, and grandparents to four grandkids. I’m a retired U.S. Army veteran (21 years of service), having spent 17 years in Armor (Tanks) and four years in Infantry.’’

In addition to his involvement with Gilda’s Club, Dion enjoys gaming, reading, skydiving, spending time with his grandchildren, and talking about his son, Matthew.

It is through Matthew’s story that Dion and Angie first became part of the Gilda’s Club community.

A Journey No Family Expects

In 2015, when he was 12 years old, Matthew was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A hospital child life specialist introduced the family to Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana.

Over the next nine years and 10 months, Matthew faced extraordinary challenges. He battled three different forms of leukemia across four separate diagnoses, underwent three bone marrow transplants, and endured numerous complications related to treatment, including a stroke, respiratory failure, cardiac arrests, graft-versus-host disease, retrograde amnesia, and bilateral below-the-knee amputations caused by avascular necrosis.

Yet through every obstacle, Dion remembers one thing above all else: his son’s remarkable spirit.

“Despite facing what at times seemed like insurmountable challenges, Matthew’s indomitable courage and unbreakable faith allowed him to emerge victorious in his fight against his final leukemia in September 2020. Those same traits remained while he continued his fight against the side effects of cancer treatments over the ensuing four and a half years.’’

In May 2025, Matthew passed away suddenly at the age of 22 from the late-term effects of cancer treatment.

Dion is intentional when he talks about his son’s legacy.

“Cancer did NOT beat him or take him from us. Cancer did NOT win, as Matthew had been cancer-free since September 2020. It was the toxicity of the treatments that took him from us in the end.’’ He continues, “Matthew’s unshakeable faith and belief in positive thinking inspired many around the world who had loved and supported him throughout his journey. His story remains a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for overcoming adversity, as well as the transformative powers of faith, hope and love.’’

Living Through the Loss of a Child

For many bereaved parents, walking back into a place connected to their child’s cancer journey can feel overwhelming. But for Dion and Angie, returning to Gilda’s Club after Matthew passed away brought something they desperately needed: reassurance that they did not have to carry their grief alone.

“The moment I realized that my wife and I weren’t alone in our grief was when we first walked back through the door at Gilda’s Club,’’ Dion says.

“There’s a calming, welcoming presence that surrounds you when you enter Gilda’s Club. Hard to truly describe, but you’ll feel it when you experience it for yourself.’’

Today, Dion participates in Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana’s Living Through Loss support group for bereaved parents. Alongside others who understand the unique experience of grieving a child or loved one, he has found a place where shared experiences create space for connection, understanding, and hope.

Volunteering in Matthew’s Honor

As the months passed, becoming a volunteer felt like a natural next step.

“Deciding to volunteer at Gilda’s Club was an easy decision,’’ Dion says. “Gilda’s Club brought so much to my family during my son’s journey through the various activities, therapies, and clubs that I just wanted to give back in memory of my son.’’

Visitors who enter our Grinstead Clubhouse are often greeted by Dion’s warm smile and welcoming presence. Whether someone is arriving for the first time or returning for another support group, his kindness helps make our clubhouse feel like home.

“My favorite part about volunteering is seeing the smiles of our participants and being considered a part of the ‘family’ by Gilda’s Club staff. Hugs are always free here!’’

His volunteer role has also become an important part of his own healing.

“Interacting with new and current participants while personally knowing what they’re going through is helping me tremendously through my own grief as well as giving an opportunity to honor my son and keep his memory alive.’’

Every handshake, every hug, every welcoming smile, and every conversation is another way Matthew’s legacy continues to touch the lives of others.

How Community Helps Families Facing Cancer and Grief

Having experienced Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana as both a member and a volunteer, Dion has seen firsthand what community can mean during life’s most difficult moments.

“The saying ‘no one fights alone’ is not just a saying at Gilda’s Club. It’s evident the moment you step through the doors. The staff, volunteers, and members embody that philosophy in everything we do here. Knowing you have a team behind you throughout your journey is uplifting in every way.’’

His words remind us that our mission extends far beyond programs and support groups. It lives in every welcome at the front desk, every conversation after a meeting, every volunteer who gives their time, and every family who discovers they have found a community that understands.

Advice for Families Facing Cancer or Grief: “Take that Leap’’

For families wondering whether Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is right for them, Dion offers simple but heartfelt encouragement.

“If you’re wondering if Gilda’s Club is right for you, I just have one word of advice. Take that leap. Walk through our doors and experience Gilda’s Club in person. The staff and volunteers here are eager to give you a tour and show you what Gilda’s Club offers.’’

“The website and pictures don’t do it justice! The in-person experience leaves you feeling loved, seen and understood. You will truly know for yourself that ‘no one faces cancer alone’.’’

Dion’s story reminds us that healing doesn’t mean leaving love behind. Sometimes it means carrying that love forward – welcoming someone new, offering encouragement born from experience, and helping another family discover they don’t have to face cancer or grief by themselves.

That is what community looks like. And because of participants and volunteers like Dion, our community grows stronger every day.

At Gilda’s Club, “Community is stronger than cancer.’’