Gilda’s Club Lowell will celebrate eight years in the community this fall. Various programs provide the community with support when it comes to living with cancer, life in remission or grief support after losing a loved one to cancer or any other cause of death. Whether it’s an individual fighting the disease or a family standing behind a loved one, the organization offers free programs. It was through Pink Arrow Pride efforts and a supportive community a Gilda’s Club location started in Lowell. The non-profit organization is one of the main recipients of funds raised through Pink Arrow Pride. The facility is open from 12:30-8:30 every Tuesday.
Open Door, Comfortable Atmosphere
The first Gilda’s Club location opened in New York in 1995. The Grand Rapids location started in 2001 with Lowell opening its doors in 2009. Gilda’s Club has an open door policy. Everyone is welcome and you should come as you are and continue coming as long as you’d like. Program Manager Lindsay Jousma says, “Our motto is In This Together…. Learn, Share, Laugh. And we invite our members to do just that, come into community with others on a cancer or grief journey, to share in this experience and not feel so alone.” She has been with Gilda’s Club for about 10 years and is proud to be involved in Lowell.
The Lowell location housed in the George Hale house and shared with Senior Neighbors. Each Tuesday Gilda’s Club offers programs and discussion groups. A meal is served each week from 5:30-6:00 before members break off into groups for discussion or a special program. Being in a home, the atmosphere is warm and inviting rather than have a hospital or clinic feel.
Adult cancer, adult grief, tweens and teen talk, and kids talk groups are each run by a masters level professional. These guides help with discussion when needed or provide the group with talking points. Rooms on the second floor of the Lowell location are named after characters Gilda Radner played on Saturday Night Live.
Those with young children are encouraged to bring them as free childcare is offered each week during evening groups. The kids’ play room is named Noogieland taken from the “noogie” one of Radner’s characters received during skits. Currently Gilda’s Club Lowell is looking for donations of items for children up to 5 years of age to use on Tuesdays. A recent leak in the room destroyed most of the toys and crafts.
An average of 50 people partake in dinner and discussion Tuesday evenings. Special workshops and lectures are often offered during afternoon hours. A schedule of events can be found on the Gilda’s club calendar (select Gilda’s Club Lowell from the drop down menu to local activities). New members or those looking for information about available programs are encouraged to attend a New Member meeting which is held each Tuesday from 4:30-5:30. This is a great opportunity to learn about Gilda’s Club, ask questions, and tour of the facility.
Through the help of Pink Arrow Pride and community support Gilda’s Club is also available to students and teachers throughout the Lowell Area School District providing cancer and grief support as well as a curriculum of Educational Health education.
Treating the Mind
Medical care is usually a priority when treating cancer. Taking care of the mind, body, and emotions plays an important role as well and can often be neglected or not offered. Gilda’s Club offers a location for individuals and family to gather and share experiences. “Through Gilda’s Club children, adults, families and friends are able to connect with other peers on a cancer or grief journey, help normalize their experience, thoughts and feelings and receive emotional and social support during a critical time in their lives.” says Jousma of non-medical care. It’s valuable to know you’re not alone. It’s valuable knowing there’s a place to go and listen. Or speak. Emotional and social healing is also part of the cancer and grief process. Jousma continues, “The impact of this psychosocial support and intervention is phenomenal, and truly impacts the future of the child, family and society overall.”
In addition to support groups, Gilda’s Club is a place for learning and fun. Workshops and classes dealing with nutrition, yoga, exercise, and mindfulness to name a few are offered. Fun, social events celebrate happy moments and give members an opportunity to enjoy time without thinking about cancer or grief. This week Gilda’s Club representatives traveled to each elementary school to celebrate Pink Arrow X. Mascot Sparkle along with a guitarist led students in singing creating excitement for game day.
Community Support
Gilda’s Club Lowell is able to offer all of its services free of charge thanks to local support. “The Lowell Community is incredible in the way members seem to share their gifts, talents, and roles in the community to collaborate together for the betterment of a cause, and the Chair-A-Tee is a perfect example of support.” says Jousma of community efforts. This year, artists created chairs which were auctioned off raising over $7,000 for Pink Arrow Pride.
Relying 80% on volunteer support the organization is truly a “grass roots community effort” according to Jousma. Anyone is welcome to donation financially or volunteer time at Gilda’s Club Lowell. Additionally, those interested in learning more about programs and services provided can stop by anytime between 12:30pm – 8:30pm, call 616-897-8600, or visit their website.
Cancer and grief support is available in the Lowell community thanks to Gilda’s Club. This much-needed emotional aspect is valued and appreciated by those who visit 314 South Hudson each Tuesday.
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