SURVIVOR SPOTLIGHT
The Show Must Go On – Coleen Gundzik, Links for Life Volunteer and 17-Year Survivor
Links for Life has existed for more than 30 years because of dedicated volunteers and survivors who make sharing their story a priority to help other breast cancer warriors. Coleen Gundzik is a vibrant volunteer star, and Links is honored by the dedication she brings to the organization both as survivor support and donorship.
For information about how Links for Life can support your breast cancer journey, or if you would consider volunteering or supporting this vital work through a financial gift, please reach out via 661-322-5601 or Staff@LinksforLife.org.
With each step along life’s twists and turns, Coleen Gundzik has been determined to have a say in how the script would play out – with star quality determination.
Coleen began her “first act” as a nursing major at the University of Texas. After college, she was determined to explore dating more seriously and explored a dating service. Coleen shared that “in those days you would thumb through binders of bios and VHS recordings.” It was then that a dashing, third year radiology resident at Baylor College chose her. Dr. John Gundzik went on to finish his education at University of New Mexico and the couple married in 1991.
The pair moved to Bakersfield where Dr. Gundzik has served as neuroradiologist at Kern Radiology for 34 years. Coleen would work 13 years as an RN before retiring and launching her second “act” career, starring in local productions, and making travel a priority.
For thirty-two years they have traveled the world together – and a breast cancer diagnosis was not about to put a damper on that arrangement.
The next route of Coleen’s journey was unexpected. She found herself at UCLA getting a treatment plan for a stage 3 baseball sized tumor. That plan included chemo, mastectomy, reconstruction, and radiation.
But Coleen was determined to be the director and with a dose of chemo done, she was off to Hawaii, where she promptly lost her hair. Three weeks after her final round of chemo, they set sail on a cruise to Mexico. She followed up radiation with a trip to Disney World.
“I felt angry with my diagnosis,” she said. “I realized my life was forever changed. My world was coming to a screeching halt, but life kept moving.” Crediting her motivation with her husband she said “He never left my side. Every doctor appointment, every chemo, and the subsequent sickness. He worked from home and stayed right beside me.”
When asked about chemo Coleen shared her lack of energy and nausea. Radiation was disheartening and she recalls that sometimes felt as if her insides were on fire, telling herself, “don’t let your dragons stop you.” Quick to add that each person’s battle is unique, she added, “The fear is really the unknown, but the internet is not your friend.” Coleen, who also battles lymphedema, says “the exhaustion eventually ends, and your energy does come back. It’ll slow you down, but you can’t let it stop you.”
She promptly planned another ski trip – she and her husband are avid skiers. The sweethearts just returned from a cruise of the British Isles. Coleen is definitely a star volunteer at Links for Life, and we can’t wait to see what adventure she goes on next!
