Know your Madisonian: Peggy Wiederholt
Melanie Conklin
WI State Journal, July 13, 2007
City:
Madison.Family:
Son, Jade Wiederholt (33), New York; daughter: Mekel Wiederholt Meir (32) and son-in-law Brian, Madison.
Occupation:
Oncology Nurse Coordinator/case manager at UW Hospital & Clinics.
Volunteer work:
UW Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center (fundraising, Head & Neck Cancer Support Group, community education); Our Lady Queen of Peace Church lay minister.
Special activity:
Publisher and co-author of "The WriteTrack Personal Health Tracker for Cancer Patients'' (by Joe Wiederholt).
How did you end up in this field?
I had planned to pursue a career in journalism. However, after my father survived life-threatening burns from a barbecue grill explosion when I was a teenager, I promised to devote my life to caring for the severely ill and injured, which led to a nursing career. After I worked several years, my husband, Joe, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Joe was a beloved professor in the UW School of Pharmacy with a passion for teaching. The journey we traveled together from the time of his diagnosis at age 45 until his death in 2001 inspired me to re-focus my energy as an oncology nurse.
Describe the book you publish for cancer patients:
"The WriteTrack Personal Health Tracker'' is a book developed by my husband during his cancer treatment and has been used by thousands of cancer patients nationally. When outside funding was no longer available, I decided to continue to publish it independently to meet demands for the book. (www.thewritetrack.net)
Where did your husband get the idea?
As a teacher, researcher and pharmacist, Joe was interested in evaluating and treating side effects related to medications, and in empowering people to become active partners in their health care. As a patient, he found that tracking symptoms and side effects on a calendar ... gave him a sense of control over his disease and helped his doctors manage his condition.
Is it difficult continuing his work?
I actually find it therapeutic. Although I have lost my husband, both of my parents, and several other loved ones to cancer, my experiences have given me an understanding and compassion I otherwise would not have. Channeling what I have learned in a positive direction that can help others is very rewarding.
Why is what you do important?
A cancer diagnosis is so overwhelming. My husband described it as feeling as if his mind was traveling at warp speed ... totally out of control. I hope that I make a difference by offering cancer patients comfort, support and a renewed sense of control.
I am known for:
Signature red lipstick and nail polish.
Hobbies and interests:
Gardening, hiking, biking, music, theater.
Person I admire most:
My late husband, Joe. He motivated and encouraged others to reach far beyond their initial aspirations and he always made you laugh!
Choice of dinner companion:
Bruce Springsteen. I am an over-the-top Bruce fanatic!
People would be surprised to know:
That I hooked a 3-foot muskie on an ultralite rod and four-pound test line in a canoe on Lake Wingra.
Something I want to do someday:
Ride a Harley!