Conversations with Kathy's House

Hosted by 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 wisdom.

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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32 recent

June 3, 202623 min

Episode 30: Brian and Estelle's stays at Kathy's House started in 2009

Brian and Estelle Hermes join us from Michigan. Brian’s been receiving care in Milwaukee for pancreatic cancer since 2009 and stayed at Kathy’s House quite a number of times. In fact, Brian’s stayed at the “old” Kathy’s House and current Kathy’s House. Their unique perspective offers the best evidence of how important Kathy's House is to our community.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 keeganf@kathys-house.org.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.

December 16, 202526 min

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.

November 17, 20258 min

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 supportersMost 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.

October 7, 202524 min

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.

July 10, 202519 min

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.

May 6, 202522 min

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.

April 14, 202517 min

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.

March 12, 202514 min

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 2024The 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.

January 16, 202517 min

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.

November 20, 202415 min

Episode 21: Guests' Gratitude Shared By Our Team

This year alone, thanks to our donors, we have supported 1,366 families. Each guest who stays with us experiences firsthand the wave of kindness and comfort from volunteers, staff and most importantly—from each other. So with the holidays upon us, Kathy’s House would like to share our gratitude with listeners. Here’s just some of the notes we’ve received from guests read by Kathy’s House staff and volunteers.Visit Kathy's House to learn more.

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Conversations with Kathy&#39;s House