Jolyn Haugen

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Hello, my name is Jolyn Haugen and I am a 14 1/2-year breast cancer survivor. I was
diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on 09/30/2010. After having a bilateral
mastectomy it was also discovered I carry the BRCA1 gene. Unfortunately, cancer runs
high in my family. I have lost 3 siblings to cancer and 3 more of my siblings are also
breast cancer survivors. I also have a nephew who conquered prostate cancer a few
years ago and now his sister (my niece) is getting treatment for breast cancer.
For several years now I have been doing all I can to support others battling cancer
whether it be personal mentoring/supporting or volunteering for organizations that show
support for those battling the disease. I have volunteered with the American Cancer
Society for their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (whereas I had the honor
of meeting and getting to know Dana and her son Miles). For the past 8 years I have
been volunteering for a local cancer organization called the This Time Tomorrow
Foundation which delivers Random Acts of Kindness (RAKS) to warriors battling any
form of cancer. Within just 1 year of volunteering with the organization the Board asked
me to be their lead volunteer, and I immediately said yes. It was truly an honor! I am
also on their Random Acts of Kindness Committee and can deliver RAKS as well.
Additionally, I am helping with this year’s Susan G. Komen gala that will be held this
Friday in Milwaukee.
I work a lot but I also volunteer a lot. Helping others is my passion. I was a
Probation/Parole Agent for the State of Wisconsin for 25 1/2 years. I retired after covid
but just recently took an LTE (Limited Term Employer) position back with the State
assisting in an adult probation office. I also work for Callister’s Christmas Store and at
the Budweiser Pavilion at State Fair Park as a cook and server.
Aside from volunteering for cancer organizations I am also on the Social Ministry Team
at my church (Whitnall Park Lutheran Church) and one of our largest focus through the
ministry is helping others in the community that are in need of shelter, clothing and food.
Our church partners with Unity Lutheran Church assist with their food pantry, free
clothing closet and free hot meal program.
Family, friends and community are all very important to me. I grew up in a small town in
Minnesota. We did not have a lot of money, but we were rich in so many other ways. My
parents taught me and my siblings to help others when we could and I stand by that
principle today.
Helping others battle and cope with a cancer diagnosis is important to me and I will do
all I can to battle against the disease until it is no longer in our vocabulary.
It would be a great honor to be on the Board of The Pink Table Talk. It embodies what is
important to me in showing others’ support when they need it the most!

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