Conversations with Kathy's House

Gerry Steele is a Kathy’s House ally and healthcare communication professional. For more than a decade, she's had the privilege to share the experiences of individuals going through life-changing medical journeys and learn from their courage and wisd
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Welcome to Conversations with Kathy’s House where we’ll explore how to support families who are experiencing personal illness or the serious illness of a loved one - one of life’s most stressful situations. Learn more at kathys-house.org.

  1. 12/16/2025

    Episode 29: Through Their Little Eyes: Kids and Kathy's House

    Did you know that children find comfort at Kathy’s House? A family doesn’t stop “being” just because parents are away seeking life-saving care. In fact, the love of a child is a beautiful source of social and emotional support during such challenging times, making Kathy’s House an essential haven for families. I recently had the joy of chatting with Jessi and Anthony, along with their four wonderful children 💖  Kathy’s House is the Milwaukee area’s only hospital guest house that accommodates guests of any age receiving care at any area hospital. More than 75% of our guests cannot afford the full cost of their stay at Kathy’s House – and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Your gift to Kathy’s House allows families to access not only the extraordinary care available at area hospitals, but also the resources and caring support they need during an extraordinary time. If you have questions about how your gift directly benefits patients and guests facing a serious medical crisis, please email President & CEO Kim Lamansky. Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    27 min

  2. 11/17/2025

    Episode 28: Gratitude & Thanks from our Guests

    Kathy's House staff and volunteers read thank you letters from past guests reminding us of the importance of our mission.  Kathy’s House exists because of the generosity of its donors and ongoing supporters Most of us have been touched by cancer, traumatic accidents or serious illness. The uncertainty and cost can trigger justifiable anxiety for any patient. Imagine if you also needed to leave home and travel to access life-saving care. More than 58% of guests say that Kathy’s House made it possible for them to access care. Kathy’s House is the Milwaukee area’s only hospital guest house that accommodates guests of any age receiving care at any area hospital. More than 75% of our guests cannot afford the full cost of their stay at Kathy’s House – and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Your gift to Kathy’s House allows families to access not only the extraordinary care available at area hospitals, but also the resources and caring support they need during an extraordinary time. If you have questions about how your gift directly benefits patients and guests facing a serious medical crisis, please email President & CEO Kim Lamansky. Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    9 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Episode 27: Dancing To A New Life Tune

    David and Melissa Kelly traveled from Timonium, Maryland, to Kathy's House and the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network after Melissa was diagnosed with a severely damaged pancreas. With world-class healthcare in their Maryland backyard, they don't regret the decision. What certainly was, and still remains at times, very difficult, their journey was made better by the support of Kathy's House.

    25 min

  4. 07/10/2025

    Episode 26: From Recipients to Champions: How Dan and Nancy Became Advocates for Kathy's House

    Dan and Nancy Pollack were guests at Kathy's House when Nancy was treated for pancreatic cancer. They found that by opening up and sharing with and learning from others, their "new normal" was less daunting, less lonely. Dan and Nancy turned that support from those around them into supporting Kathy's House. Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    20 min

  5. 05/06/2025

    Episode 25: Lean and Mighty Kathy's House Staff Take to the Mic to Share Their "Whys"

    What does it take to provide a world-class experience for the guests at Kathy's House? It takes a lean and mighty staff, it takes committed volunteers and it takes all of our donors. Today we're hearing first hand from staff about their work, their commitment and the joy they receive from guests at Kathy's House.  Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    23 min

  6. 04/14/2025

    Episode 24: The Art of Caregiving

    Cindy Bielefeldt finds balance, joy and community in creating art. So much so, that when she found herself at Kathy’s House for 6 weeks while her husband was receiving treatment she started a watercolor painting class for other guests.  Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    17 min

  7. 03/12/2025

    Episode 23: Rusty and Linda Konkol from Amherst Junction

    Russel “Rusty” Konkol, is 70 years old, was born and raised in Amherst Junction, WI, population 377. He and his wife Linda, a retired nurse, raised 5 boys and a girl on the family homestead. Their sons all grew up to be pharmacists. Their daughter became a nurse. Rusty was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in May 2024 The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network began offering a new treatment to patients with advanced melanoma just six months ago called TILS Therapy.  Rusty is the first person in Wisconsin to receive that treatment.   That’s what brought them to Kathy’s House. Rusty and Linda share a little about their family, hobbies, their journey to Milwaukee and, their stay at Kathy’s House and I hope you enjoy our conversation. Follow us at kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    14 min

  8. 01/16/2025

    Episode 22: Bingo Night!

    Sheila and Gerald, guests at Kathy's House, wanted to find a way to build community during their stay. They came up with bingo night, a monthly event to bring guests together to just have fun. "I just wanted everyone to have a happy and memorable moment." says Sheila. On a chilly December night, I chat with Sheila and Gerald, who arrived in August. I also play bingo with Tina, another guest, who explains why she and her husband are at Kathy's House. After bingo ends, I wrap up my visit with a tally of bingo tales with Sheila. Follow us at _kathyshouse on X; kathyshousemilwaukee on Instagram, Kathy's House on Facebook, check our website https://kathys-house.org/ or email us at mail@kathys-house.org.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Conversations with Kathy’s House where we’ll explore how to support families who are experiencing personal illness or the serious illness of a loved one - one of life’s most stressful situations. Learn more at kathys-house.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Gerry Steele is a Kathy’s House ally and healthcare communication professional. For more than a decade, she's had the privilege to share the experiences of individuals going through life-changing medical journeys and learn from their courage and wisd
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Conversations with Kathy's House
  • Show Website
    Conversations with Kathy's House