Jackie’s Story: “Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is Like My Extended Family.”
This GE Appliances Employee Makes “Good Things, for Life” at Work and in Her Community
When you walk through the red doors of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, you feel an instant sense of community. It’s a place where laughter lives alongside tears, and where people often greet each other with a warm, empathetic embrace.
For Jackie Morales-Trice, this feeling isn’t just a byproduct of the organization—it’s the very reason she is so deeply committed to its mission. As a board member, volunteer, and advocate, Jackie’s story is a beautiful testament to the power of giving back, fueled by a deeply personal cancer connection and a professional life dedicated to community at GE Appliances, a Haier company.
A New Home and a New Family in Louisville
Jackie’s journey to Louisville began in 2014 when she transferred from a GE Appliances manufacturing facility in Georgia to the company’s headquarters. She quickly fell in love with her new city, not only for its vibrant culture and people but because it was here that she found Dan, her partner in life, and built their home.
Finding Her Place at Gilda’s Club
Jackie first learned about Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana through a co-worker who had long supported the mission. Later, GE Appliances organized an event where she could visit and experience Gilda’s Club in person. That visit left a lasting impression. With encouragement from her husband and a gentle nudge from her colleague, James Darmstadt, Jackie decided to get more involved.
Cancer had already touched Jackie’s life. A dear friend she lovingly calls her “fake mom” went through treatment and is in remission, while the daughter of a former team member continues to battle colon cancer. Jackie admits it is hard to know the “right” thing to say or do during such difficult times. Through these experiences, she realized just how vital it is to have a strong support system — not just for those living with cancer, but also for their loved ones.
Gilda’s Club | Cancer Support for the Whole Family | Learn More
One of Jackie’s favorite memories as a Gilda’s Club volunteer is waiting tables during a Dynamic Duos event. A woman shared that the evening out with her husband made her feel “pretty and special” — a reminder that even simple opportunities for connection and celebration can carry profound meaning when life is overshadowed by cancer.
According to Jackie, the best-kept secret at Gilda’s Club is something she calls “the hug.” “The first time, and every time I’ve been to Gilda’s, the staff and volunteers have made me feel welcome and cared for. It’s like being at one of your best friends’ houses.”
That spirit of belonging, paired with Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana’s commitment to expand programs to the Hispanic community in Louisville and Southern Indiana, inspired Jackie to step into leadership and join the Board of Directors.
A Legacy of Giving Back at GE Appliances
Jackie’s volunteerism is a perfect reflection of the values she embodies at her workplace, GE Appliances. The company has a long and storied history of community service and a supportive partnership with Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana. This deep-rooted connection makes her role as a volunteer and board member all the more meaningful.
“It’s a beautiful alignment of my personal passions and my professional life,” she explains. “GE Appliances encourages us to make a difference in the places where we live and work. Gilda’s Club is a perfect example of how that support translates into real, tangible impact.”
This synergy between her professional and volunteer life is a source of immense pride for Jackie. She sees it as more than just a coincidence; it’s a symbiotic relationship where her work and her heart are equally invested in the well-being of the community. GE Appliances’ commitment to “making good things, for life” extends beyond its products and into the lives of people like Jackie, who in turn make a profound difference.
Bridging Cultures and Building Connections at Gilda’s Club
As a native of Venezuela, Jackie has a unique perspective on the need for cultural inclusivity at Gilda’s Club. She enjoys collaborating with the staff to develop programs that resonate with the Hispanic community.
She explains that the warm, caring environment she found at Gilda’s Club deeply aligns with her own cultural values. Jackie hopes to make the Hispanic community aware that they have an “extended family” at Gilda’s Club, a place where they can feel the same sense of belonging that she did. “I hope more people become aware of the programs we offer at Gilda’s Club, so they don’t struggle alone when living with cancer. Gilda’s Club is a safe, welcoming, supportive ‘home away from home’ for individuals, their friends, and their family members.”
Jackie envisions a future for Gilda’s Club where more Hispanic members, volunteers, and staff are present. “I would love to see more Hispanic volunteers around Gilda’s, who can help our members feel that warm ‘hug’ I described earlier,” she says.
“Hispanics know no strangers,” she says. “We love to get together, we love to share, and of course, food is always part of that. Don’t forget the hugs! We love hugging people and making them feel like family.”
“I’m looking forward to our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on September 27. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our Hispanic culture and invite others to learn about it. It’s also a way to create awareness for the mission and programs that Gilda’s Club offers.”
This passion for cultural connection is not just about expanding the organization’s reach; it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can feel the same sense of belonging she did.
Reducing the stigma of cancer, one “warm hug” at a time
When asked what she hopes for Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana in the future, Jackie’s answer is simple yet profound. “I’d like our community to describe Gilda’s Club as the place where they can feel like their best and truest self despite being a cancer patient; the place where they find resources on how to support their loved ones while taking care of their own needs. More importantly, I would like them to describe Gilda’s Club as the place where they feel cared for, loved, and appreciated, where the stigma of being a cancer patient, survivor, or caregiver disappears as you walk in the door.”
Jackie Morales-Trice’s commitment to Gilda’s Club is a story of personal connection and professional alignment. It’s a reminder that a simple act of volunteering can grow into a deep-seated passion, transforming not only the lives of others but one’s own. For her, it’s about making sure that no one in the community ever has to face cancer alone. It’s about building a family, one warm hug at a time.
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana offers 190 programs each month at four convenient locations. All programs of support are offered at no cost to participants. View Our Calendar.
