This year’s Wellness Ball celebrates small moments of joy the Wellness House nonprofit aims to bring to those who are battling cancer.
“Joy” is not a word typically associated with living with cancer, but at the Wellness House in Hinsdale, finding joy amid one of the most difficult situations life can throw at you is what it’s all about.
When it came time to pick a theme for this year’s black-tie fundraising Wellness Ball, the co-chairs wanted something that honored Wellness House’s mission to better the lives of people living with cancer and those close to them.
“When you enter Wellness House, it is an upbeat place where lots of activities are taking place,” explains Anna Fiascone, member of the Wellness House board and one of this year’s event co-chairs.
From exercise classes and nutrition seminars to support groups, Wellness House offers a variety of programs and services that complement treatment from doctors and specialists. This whole-person approach to healing is offered at no cost, but that’s only made possible by events like next month’s gala, aptly titled “Joie De Vivre.”
“Everyone’s journey with cancer is different,” adds Fiascone. “Whether you are battling cancer yourself, are a survivor, or a family member of someone fighting cancer, Wellness House can help you in trying to find joy during a difficult journey.”
Fiascone and her husband Nick, who also serves as a co-chair for the ball, know firsthand the powerful impact the Wellness House can have.
“Nick’s parents both used Wellness House’s services for many years,” explains Fiascone. “They benefited from the different programs offered at Wellness House while Nick’s mom was battling cancer, including the exercise classes, reiki, support groups, and wig boutique.”
Wellness House President and CEO Jeannie Cella says proceeds from the ball raise close to 20 percent of the nonprofit’s annual budget. “This enables us to provide all of our services at no cost and helps people impacted by cancer live fully,” she adds. “Every year is special, but this particular theme resonates with me because I’ve experienced the impact, meaning, and joy that our services have provided to over 40,000 people that have walked through our doors since 1990.”
Not only will the event raise funds to support the Wellness House’s mission of improving the quality of life of people affected by cancer, but it will also honor Cella’s leadership and dedication as it is her final ball as president and CEO. After nearly three decades of devoted service to the Wellness House and nearly two decades at its helm, she will certainly be missed.
“Joie De Vivre—Finding Joy while Living with Cancer” will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on October 5. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an exclusive wine auction, dinner, and dancing to all the hits with the energetic and interactive band Greenlight until midnight.
For ticket information and other details, visit wellnesshouse.org.
