This is Sharon’s Story
At Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, we often say that community is at the heart of everything we do—so that no one faces cancer alone. For Sharon, that sense of community has come full circle: from navigating her own cancer journey to helping create spaces where others can find connection, support, and joy.
Her story is one of resilience, humility, courage, and a deep belief in showing up for others.
A Life Rooted in Care and Connection
A lifelong commitment to helping others often shapes how people respond to life’s most difficult challenges, including serious illness.
“An interest in Healthcare is a theme running through my life…” Sharon shares, reflecting on a path that began in high school working in a general practitioner’s office. That early experience led her to pursue nursing at Norton Memorial School of Nursing, followed by work in the operating room at Jewish Hospital, and traveling with Red Cross blood mobiles across Kentucky and Indiana.
It was also at Jewish Hospital where she met her husband, Harold. Together, they built a life that eventually led them from Tyler Park to Pleasant Run Farm—a meaningful return to Harold’s agricultural roots.
“It was a challenge to become a farmer,” Sharon says, “yet so worthwhile in the long run.”
That farm would one day become more than a home. It would become a place of healing for others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Support
Are cancer support groups free?
Yes. Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana provides free support groups, classes, and resources for anyone impacted by cancer.
Who can attend cancer support programs?
Programs are open to people in treatment, survivors, caregivers, family members, and those grieving a loss.
Do cancer support groups really help?
Yes. Support groups can reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and help people feel less alone.
What Is It Like to Face Cancer While Grieving Loss?
Facing cancer while grieving multiple losses can intensify emotional stress and uncertainty. Many people navigating cancer also experience grief, making community support especially important.
Sharon’s cancer journey began during an already difficult season of life.
“Shortly after my husband Harold’s death, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she shares. “Each of my immediate family had died over the preceding years: brother, sister and both parents.”
Facing cancer while grieving so many profound losses brought moments of deep uncertainty.
“Even wondering whether cancer was Fortune’s way of saying my time was done.”
But Sharon made a decision—one grounded in love for her daughter, Louisa.
“Having a young daughter, my decision was to do everything possible and be a compliant patient in order to stick around for her.”
With the support of friends and family, she moved through treatment—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term medication.
And with each passing year came a growing sense of gratitude.
👉 Learn more about free cancer support programs in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
How Support Systems Impact Cancer Recovery
Support systems play a critical role in cancer care by helping reduce isolation, improve emotional well-being, and provide practical and social support during treatment and beyond.
Sharon’s introduction to structured support came through programs like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, where she saw firsthand how physical activity and peer connection could make a meaningful difference.
How Sharon Got Involved with Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana provides free support groups, education, and community for people impacted by cancer across Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Sharon’s introduction came through her involvement with The Power of Pink initiative in Southern Indiana, a breast cancer awareness campaign supporting both Norton Cancer Institute and Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana.
At the time, she was traveling frequently for treatment, long before the Lewis & Clark Bridge improved access.
“During my treatment years, the miles added up crossing the river so many times.”
Supporting efforts to expand services in Southern Indiana became deeply important to her, especially for others who might face similar barriers to care.
From Breast Cancer Survivor to Volunteer and Board Member
Many cancer survivors find purpose in giving back through volunteering, leadership, or advocacy. These roles can help transform personal experience into meaningful impact.
Sharon’s deeper involvement began with a simple request: to consider joining the Board of Directors.
What followed was, in her words, “a lot of soul searching.”
“Being shy and introverted, without an outgoing personality, no experience with fundraising, and a limited ability to donate made me wonder what I could offer.”
Encouraged by her daughter, Sharon chose to step outside her comfort zone.
“It took me a few years to connect and feel confident in this new role,” she admits. “Getting to know other Gilda’s Club board members, the staff, plus so many volunteers and club members allows me to state I have received as much as I have given.”
Today, Sharon serves as a dedicated board member, volunteer, and advocate.
👉 Meet the Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana Board of Directors
How Support Systems Impact Cancer Recovery
Support systems play a critical role in cancer care by helping reduce isolation, improve emotional well-being, and provide practical and social support during treatment and beyond.
Sharon’s introduction to structured support came through programs like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, where she saw firsthand how physical activity and peer connection could make a meaningful difference.
Creating Healing Spaces: The Role of Nature in Cancer Support
Access to peaceful, natural environments can support emotional healing and provide moments of relief for people impacted by cancer.
One of the most unique ways Sharon supports Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is by opening Pleasant Run Farm in Jeffersonville, Indiana to the community.
What began as finding last-minute Camp Gilda request a few years ago has grown into something much more meaningful.
“The summer camp came to the farm to set off rockets they had made at the Grinstead Clubhouse,” she recalls. “Watching the kids running after their launched rockets…was so entertaining.”
The experience left a lasting impression.
“Being at the farm allowed them to all run around just acting like kids without a care in the world.”
Today, the farm hosts a variety of programs and events – including Tea Time and seasonal gatherings like SpringFest, Camp Gilda Field Day, and the Barnyard Bash.
“Members all enjoy being on the farm surrounded by Mother Nature,” Sharon says.
“At one event, two ladies chased me down to share how much they were enjoying the evening – especially seeing the sunset, remarking how much more beautiful it was than the ones they see in the city.”
Why Community Matters When Facing Cancer
Community support plays a critical role in helping people cope with cancer by reducing isolation, improving emotional well-being, and providing connection during life’s most difficult moments.
“People are communal by nature…The added value of belonging to any group is the support offered when Life happens, especially when Life falls apart.”
Her words reflect the essence of Gilda’s Club’s mission.
“No matter one’s level of individual strength, it is support from others which holds one together until better days arrive.”
Sharon carries that belief into her ongoing work.
“I remember that ‘I am a member of the Gilda’s community’ and thoughtfully try to improve the organization for Kentuckiana.”
A Lasting Commitment to Community in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Sharon’s philanthropy extends beyond her generous support of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana. As she puts it, “having a second chance at life” has allowed her to give back to multiple organizations that hold meaning for her including the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand & Microsurgery/CMKI Fellowships, Seneca High School, Assumption High School, and supporting various nursing scholarships.
Her involvement with Gilda’s Club continues to grow—from board leadership to hands-on volunteering and hosting programs on the farm.
What keeps her engaged?
“Bringing a smile and maybe a laugh to faces within our community is the best reward.”
“All the preparation and work are worth it to offer a few hours for our members to not think about cancer and how it has impacted one’s life and their families.”
How to Find Free Cancer Support in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Access to free cancer support services can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families navigating cancer.
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana offers more than 190 free programs each month for:
- People in active treatment
- Cancer survivors
- Caregivers and families
- Those grieving a cancer-related loss
Serving Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana communities including Jeffersonville and Clark County.
👉 Feel Empowered, Have Fun, and Meet New People at Gilda’s Club Events and Activities
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