DOWNERS GROVE’S LISA KOLAVENNU NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS HOUSE

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“My mom attended some of the programs, and that really helped shape my passion for Wellness House, seeing it first-hand. A year and a half ago, we lost my father, so I really know what it’s like to bring people through loss and grief.

”—LISA KOLAVENNU

THE PATH TO WELLNESS

DOWNERS GROVE RESIDENT LISA KOLAVENNU TAKES THE REINS AT WELLNESS HOUSE

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

If you’re familiar with the work that Wellness House does, that probably means your life has been affected by cancer—either your own health crisis or a loved one’s. The latter was the case for Downers Grove resident Lisa Kolavennu, whose father had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma about 12 years ago. As it happens, Kolavennu had just started working as director of programs for Wellness House, so she was well aware of what the organization had to offer.

“My mom attended some of the programs, and that really helped shape my passion for Wellness House, seeing it first-hand,” she said. “A year and a half ago, we lost my father, so I really know what it’s like to bring people through loss and grief.”

Fittingly, this past July, Kolavennu was named executive director of Wellness House, where she’s worked over the last decade-plus, developing a deep dedication to its mission: to better the lives of people living with cancer and the people close to them.

“Today, we offer a variety of programs and services—exercise classes, nutrition seminars, support groups and more—that complement the treatment from your doctors and specialists,” Kolavennu said. “It’s a whole-person approach to healing, and it’s

Today, we offer a variety of programs and services—exercise classes, nutrition seminars, support groups and more—that complement the treatment from your doctors and specialists.

”—LISA KOLAVENNU “

offered at no cost to you.”

Last year, more than 250 Downers Grove residents used Wellness House programs, said Kolavennu, who is an active member of the community, serving in the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (a financial supporter of Wellness House for many years), and volunteering at her children’s District 58 schools, both in the classroom and with the PTA.

But as the saying goes, if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. And Kolavennu, a master juggler, is not only focused on making sure all the Wellness House programs are operating smoothly, she’s keeping an eye on the big picture of the organization.—And that means focusing on philanthropy.

“Wellness House is open six days a week, from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., as well as Saturday mornings,” Kolavennu said. “All of our staff are paid, licensed, credentialed experts in their field—from cancer-exercise specialists to dietitians, psychologists [and] massage therapists. Being able to offer all of this free of charge is really thanks to the generosity of the people, families and corporations in our community.”

By offering important, life-sustaining, complimentary services to not only those diagnosed with cancer, but to family members, caregivers and close friends, Wellness House helps combat what she calls the “financial toxicity of cancer”— yet another form of stress that cancer patients and their loved ones deal with in the form of medical bills.

Wellness House is also a leader in an emerging field called psychosocial oncology. Our role is to understand and implement what research tells us is effective.”

And one of the things they do know, Kolavennu said, is that the psychological stress, anxiety or depression that people experience after being diagnosed with cancer can have a profound impact on their ability to continue and manage treatment.

“For some people, sitting down with a therapist is best; others find that connecting in a support group is hopeful and powerful,” she said. “Whatever works best for the individual, we’re happy to be able to provide another layer of support.”

“It’s a broad category that encompasses the psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their loved ones, which is critical for health,” Kolavennu said. “For example, support groups, counseling and stress management programs address emotional needs, and exercise and nutrition programs are dedicated to helping the physical side of it. We also have a number of programs tailored to the unique needs of children. You can support Wellness House by attending the Wellness House Ball on Oct. 5 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, shopping at its resale shop in Hinsdale (The Courtyard), or donating directly on its Web site. In addition, individuals living with cancer and their loved ones are invited to attend a Body Mind Fest on Sept. 7 for free massages, yoga, meditation classes and more. For more information, go to wellnesshouse.org. ■