Gilda’s Club serves families when cancer strikes
Whether it’s a friend or a family member, a cancer diagnosis impacts all. Gilda’s Club of South Florida programs reach out to children and caregivers as well as patients.
“We provide free, psychosocial support to anyone affected by cancer,” said Megan Scott, program manager for the nonprofit. “We like to involve the whole family, because cancer doesn’t just affect the person with cancer.”
Gilda’s Club puts on support groups, lectures, healthy lifestyles workshops and social gatherings. Its free membership also provides classes such as yoga, book clubs and an even an improve comedy group.
Special celebrations include Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving and a kids’ Halloween Noogie Fest.
Cancer patient Karen Scinta siad Gilda’s informational events, comradery and classes have been “wonderful.” In addtion to support they also provide some much needed diversion.
People who seek out support meetings often arrive in pairs such as couples, Scott said. For that reason, Gilda’s Club puts on all support groups at the same time on Wednesdays so folks can participate at the same time.
For instance, while the wife is in a cancer group, the husband might attend a caregivers’ group.
Other specialized programs include Noogieland for children and teens who have a loved one with cancer, have lost someone to cancer or who have cancer themselves.
Gilda’s offers support to the LGBT community with its gay men’s group. Soon, lesbian and bi groups will be added to the roster.
Membership in Gilda’s Club of South Florida, located at 119 Rose Dr. in Fort Lauderdale, is free; however, an intake meeting is required. Various volunteer opportunites are also available.
For more information, call 954-763-6776 or visit GildasClubSouthFlorida.org.