The Board of Directors of Gilda's Club Twin Cities (GCTC) announced last week that it has named Michelle Silverman executive director. "Gilda's Club Twin Cities will be the only cancer support organization to offer a dedicated facility for all people to go to every week of the year, when touched by cancer," said Jenni Lilledahl, president of the GCTC board of directors. "We are excited that Michelle will be leading our organization, reaching out to the community and managing our fundraising initiatives."

"I have developed a strong belief in the power of Gilda's Club and itsvaluable outcome for the whole family, the whole length of a cancer journey," said Michelle Silverman. "It is an honor and a privilege, to be a part of this vibrant community that is so passionate and committed to helping people thrive while living with cancer. My role as executive director is to carry this torch every day and assist the board and the dedicated group of volunteers and supporters reach our goal to open the doors of the Gilda's Club Twin Cities. I know together we will make this happen."

Prior to joining Gilda's Club, Silverman served nine years as Executive Director for Free Arts Minnesota. A project initiated by Junior League and now an independent non-profit venture, Free Arts Minnesota serves abused, neglected, homeless and at risk children by partnering with other community service nonprofits, corporate and cultural enterprises, and a working group of nearly 800 volunteers.

Silverman has 25-plus years in management in both the non-profit and for profit sectors. Michelle has an MA in Human Development from St. Mary's University, BA degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and is a graduate of the Institute of Executive Director Development at the University of St. Thomas. Michelle was named one of the top 25 women to watch by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in their "Women in Business" July 2007 issue.

Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Michelle Silverman, at our next All Hands meeting on November 16, 2009. This meeting is open to anyone who has volunteered for Gilda's Club Twin Cities or anyone interested in learning more. You will find meeting details below.

If you are unable to attend the meeting and wish to contact Michelle Silverman, she can be reached at:

Michelle@GildasClubTwinCities.org

This meeting is open to anyone who has volunteered for Gilda's Club Twin Cities or anyone interested in learning more.

When:
Monday, November 16, 2009
Social time from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Agenda:

• Social time and snacks - 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
• GCTC Update from the Board of Directors
• Meet GCTC's new Executive Director, Michelle Silverman
• Report from the National Conference in Washington D.C.
• Presentation from the Ambassador Committee--Sharing Your Story
• Announcements re: GiveMN.org and Year End Appeal

Where:
United Properties
(Near 494 and France Ave. Building Signage:
Northland Executive Office Center)
3500 West American Boulevard
Bloomington, MN 55431
Second Floor Learning Center (follow signs)

RSVP by November 13 at info@GildasClubTwinCities.org

Thanks to the GCTC Volunteers for providing meeting refreshments

My name is Carol Clemens and I have often been asked how I became involved with Gilda's Club and the answer is pretty simple; if there had been a Gilda's Club in the Twin Cities when I was diagnosed with cancer my life would have been quite different. I would have had social and emotional support plus some guidance from other members with the myriad pieces of information I had to study, evaluate and make decisions on. My husband would have been very grateful to have a resource he could turn to as well.

This is my story. I heard the news, on my cell-phone, about my cancer diagnosis sitting in the front seat of my parked car. From that point on it was an uphill battle, don't get me wrong my husband and family gave me loving support but they didn't have any answers either. I was alone. As I entered the world of "cancer treatment" I felt rushed into making decisions that I had no knowledge about, and scared of the nasty things they routinely imposed upon my body and about how all of this was affecting me mentally.

Then I had dinner with two friends who are cancer survivors who told me cancer is a disease where only you decide what is to be done. They told me, "all of the health-care professionals involved present you with options every step of the way and only you make the final choices. So slow down and listen to what they have to say, ask questions and take all of the time you need to make informed decisions." That empowered me, that was a turning point, and there was no looking back, I was in charge. I am a three-year cancer survivor.

The back-story is the best part. One of those friends I spoke about is a very dedicated GCTC volunteer who recruited me to work with her on marketing projects for GCTC. She is now a member of the board and I am the volunteer editor of the GildaGram. The medical professionals who took care of me through the course of my treatment were skilled, caring and considerate, but that wasn't enough, that's why we need a Gilda's Club in the Twin Cities.

If you have a story to share contact me at: Carol.Clemens@GildasClubTwinCities.org