The Wellness House
Photos by Marcello Rodarte
The annual Wellness House Ball, held on Oct. 19 at The Old Post Office in Chicago, attracted over 400 attendees to support individuals and families affected by cancer. The Hope Grows Co-Chairs Pamela and George Pontikis, along with Katie and Michael Isadore, organized a night filled with elegant decor, dining, and a live auction, including a moving video highlighting the experiences of young adults involved in Wellness House programs.
CEO Lisa K. Kolavennu expressed gratitude for community support, emphasizing the event’s role in funding free cancer support services. Last year, Wellness House facilitated nearly 45,000 visits to programs covering nutrition, stress management, and counseling. Visit WellnessHouse.org to learn more.
Co- Chairs Pamela Pontikis and Katie Isadore
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
