“I am a crafter. I like to craft,” says Kathy’s House guest Toni Peet. She’s not kidding. During her time in Milwaukee, the Georgia resident has made tutus and T-shirts, and even the balloon display for Kathy’s House’s 25th anniversary celebration.
But Toni’s favorite creative outlet is much simpler.
“People don’t understand,” she says. “Coloring is not just for kids. It’s therapy. It’s relaxing. That’s what got me through my journey of breast cancer.”
Knowing others could benefit from the craft she loves, Toni recently organized a “Coloring and Conversation” gathering for fellow guests at Kathy’s House. Seven people came together to talk, connect, and, for those who wanted to, color.
“I think we also need to incorporate more activities that guests can get involved in,” Toni says. “It’s hard when you sit in the rooms thinking about your life. You have to look at it from a person with cancer’s point of view.”
Uplifted from Stress
Toni first stayed at Kathy’s House in the fall of 2024 after learning that what had initially been diagnosed as fibroids was actually breast cancer. Since then, she has traveled from her home in Georgia to Milwaukee several times for treatment and follow-up care.
She says she would not have been able to receive the care she needed without Kathy’s House.
“Being here lifted up a lot of stress off of me that I was already dealing with. I still had to pay bills at home. You still have to live.”
The Perfect Plan
For Toni, Kathy’s House provided more than a place to stay. It gave her the space to slow down, reflect, and focus on healing.
“It’s really calming. If you don’t want to be bothered you don’t have to be. You are here. You can just breathe, relax, think about what you’re going through. Come up with a plan.”
For Toni, Kathy’s House was the perfect plan.
“I just want to say thank you. Kathy’s House is awesome. I think this is very nice. I was able to get the exact care I needed, not rush my care, get all the specialists…You can actually get the care you need right outside the door.”
