Merger Update
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The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club Worldwide
hosted a Cancer Summit November 7, 2009 in Washington DC, to formally
announce the finalization of plans to unite the two organizations under the
name:
Cancer
Support Community
A Global
Network of Education and Hope
The Cancer Support Community will be
the largest professionally led network of cancer support worldwide. "Our common
history and commitment to the cancer community is what brought us
together" said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support
Community. "This union creates a strong, vital, global network that will bring
the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by
cancer." This new organization brings more than 50 global affiliates together
to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
Jenni
Lilledahl, GCTC board chair, in her remarks at the All Hands meeting stated,
"The merger will be a huge benefit
to Gilda's Club Twin Cities bringing the strength and passion of the two
organizations to provide support for all people touched by cancer." She
pointed out that  each affiliate will continue to operate as an independent
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. All
monies raised in our community will continue to be used to support the
individuals and families affected by cancer in the Twin Cities and surrounding
areas. "We are very excited about joining the Cancer Support Community
network," said Lilledahl. "The resources, information, expertise and vast
program available to the Twin Cities through the Cancer Support Community network
will allow us to open the most comprehensive social and emotional support
facility in our area." If you want to learn more about The Wellness Community
and Gilda's Club joining forces to create the Cancer Support Community, we invite
you to visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org
How was the new umbrella name for the two
organizations selected?
In a
category where there are hundreds of nonprofits it was not an easy task to
capture the essence of the organization. The Gilda's Club and Wellness
Community Board's decision was driven by a number of critical factors:
Expert
advice "say who we are and say what we do." Affiliate
and key stakeholder Input; 83.4% felt that "cancer" needed to be included in
the name. Strong
support for the word "community" and the phrase "cancer support". The
availability of a domain name. A simple
name will make it easy to brand our two existing co-brands, by adding a phrase
"An affiliate of the CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY" to existing logos. The
Task Force was also asked to weigh in on the new tagline and submitted several
suggestions for the Board's consideration. The tag that was chosen, "A Global
Network of Education and Hope," was a Task Force recommendation. Watch future Gilda e Grams for information about how and when GCTC will incorporate the Cancer Support Community language
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All Hands
Meeting November 16, 2009 Highlights
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All Hands
meetings are traditionally held every six months to give volunteers and
supporters a venue to learn what's up, what's planned, and an opportunity to
meet and socialize with each other. Turnout for the November meeting was great
and everyone had a chance to meet the new Executive Director, Michelle
Silverman, and hear from board members about the escalating momentum of the
campaign to open the red doors in the Twin Cities.
Jenni Lilledahl Board Chair presented
an update on progress toward the 2009 Goals.
People
Our
volunteer base has expanded by 1/3 in the last six months
Full-time
executive director, Michelle Silverman is on board
Board
growth, new member Jerry Hammann, Director-at-Large
Place
Eva
Stevens, board vice chair and head of the clubhouse committee, has assembled a
talented and enthusiastic group of volunteers who will work with her on the
clubhouse initiatives.
Program
Carrie
Puterbaugh, volunteer coordinator, and Kirsten Moertel, MRC board chair,
attended program training at Gilda's Club Worldwide in June and have begun to
design and envision what will take place at the Twin Cities clubhouse when
opened.
Other highlights
We now
have consistent communications vehicle with the GildaGram
The GCTC
2009 Golf Event was a huge success netting more than $60k-totally volunteer
driven.
In conclusion, our primary focus is and will continue
to be raising money - that means we will continue to focus on raising
awareness in the Twin Cities to build momentum for our capital campaign
kick-off in early 2010.
Michelle Silverman, GCTC Executive Director, attended
the worldwide conference of Gilda's Club and Wellness Community held in
Washington D.C in November 2009 where the merger announcement was made.
Michelle told  the All Hands audience "this is an exciting time for us, and
as I reflected on what I learned at the conference there were three main points
I want to share with you so you
understand what we, together are about to create in Minnesota:
- We (Cancer Support Community) are the
premier psychosocial cancer care community in the world.
-
Our program is the gold standard of care, backed
by evidence-based research.
-
Cancer care is our #1 core competency; we are a
global network of education and hope.
In short--what Starbucks is to coffee, the Cancer
Support Community is to emotional support for those whose lives are touched by
cancer."
Michelle concluded
by saying, "I am impressed and aware of all the work that has been done in
the last few years to make Gilda's Club Twin Cities a reality. Because of what
you have done we are now ready to raise the necessary funds to open our doors. We have an aggressive goal to raise between
one and two
million dollars and here are four ways you can help:
- Introduce us to community or corporate leaders that you think would like to be
involved in our effort.
- Host a
fund raising event, or a house party, or be a part of an event committee.
- Volunteer to be on the capital campaign committee or refer people you think
would be helpful.
- Please
tell me what other gifts and talents you have you can share to help us open our
doors."
To contact
Michelle click here Michelle@GildasClubTwinCities.org
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Volunteer
Spotlight Gary Nathan
"In
Our Own Words"
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My Uncle Bert Levy was the first contract professional
with Gilda's Club Louisville, hired to facilitate a support group for
adults affected by cancer. He brought with him a passion that remains in the
brick and mortar and bones of the clubhouse. He believed in the collective
wisdom shared by people on a common journey. And he believed in the empowerment
that comes from each of us sharing the stories of our experience the successes,
the joys, the regrets, the questions, the fears, and the sadness.
When Bert
told me that his cancer was progressing and that he suspected that he would not
recover, he also expressed concern for how his personal journey would impact
the Gilda's Club support group. After struggling with the "right thing to do"
about his role within his support group, he arrived at the decision to take
this question to the group. He did, and in that moment he taught each of us a
very important lesson:
While a cancer journey is a road we each travel by
ourselves, none of us go through this journey alone.
Every
challenge benefits from community, that collective wisdom that affirms and
empowers each of us to meet whatever challenge deliberately. From his sharing came affirmation, and
strength, and courage, and hope and all with the grace of his humor and with
laughter.
The group
embraced him and he them. He never lost his compass over the next many weeks
and months always finding the balance between his professional role and his
personal journey. He found purpose in his role as facilitator that gave meaning
to his cancer and so came a second lesson:
That cancer is a part of our life is not a choice,
but how we live our life on this cancer journey, is.
We are not
helpless in the face of challenge we always have choice in how we meet it. And
by Uncle Bert's example, we know that we are always able to do so with dignity
and integrity.
And a
third lesson:
Our choice is to find purpose and meaning, in every
part of our life even as it ends.
Despite
fatigue and pain Uncle Bert faithfully attended the support group every Tuesday
evening. During the rest of the week, there would be countless emails offering
his wisdom and guidance. One colleague, Joe Ferry, was concerned that Uncle Bert wasn't
spending enough time taking care of himself. He accused him of being a
compulsive social worker he just couldn't help himself. But I think my Uncle
chose to give meaning to his own cancer journey by using it to teach others. In
so doing, was his self-care.
He was the
consummate caregiver and mentor, a true social worker, a loving Uncle, who lived
and breathed the dignity and worth of every person and passionately believed in
the power of human relationships.
When Uncle
Bert could no longer come to the clubhouse, he made thumbprint stones. He
rolled small balls of polymer clay then he made an impression with his thumb. These
stones were baked and when finished, you can feel the ridges and whirls of
Uncle Bert's thumbprint, one of a kind, never to be repeated.
In this
spirit I ask that each of you, take a moment to consider how someone you've
loved has left an impression on your life with the ridges and whirls, that were
uniquely theirs, leaving the indelible imprint they have made on your heart.
I believe
that Uncle Bert, in the way he lived his death and the way he lived his life,
challenges us to carry on in heart, and in mind, and in the lives we choose to
live. These are his words:
"Sometimes
it seems easier to ignore those scary, uncontrollable forces in our lives and
we run from them--this (cancer) was not on my list of things to do to live the
best life I can--(but) death is a part of living I have done my best to live in
the moment and seek the best of every day we have. Remember to laugh--there is still life, hope, laughter and
love inside looking for the sunshine.
Let's look ahead together!!"
On
Thursday, August 27, 2009, at the age of 67, my Uncle Bert came to the end of
his 10-year journey with colon cancer.
Gary Nathan is a member of the GCTC Ambassador Committee, an outreach and education forum. If you would like to have a GCTC Ambassador speak at your business or organization or would like to join the committee as a volunteer go to: info@gildasclubtwincities.org |
You Can Make a Difference
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It was Gilda Radner's dream to provide a homelike environment where people with cancer, their families and friends could gather
for free, emotional and social support. Here's how you can help make
this dream a reality.
Make a personal donation: Every dollar given will bring us closer to opening our doors. To make a donation:
http://www.gildasclubtwincities.org/makeadonation.php
Volunteer: We have many exciting and rewarding things for you to do. To sign up go to: http://www.gildasclubtwincities.org/volunteer.php.
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A Twin Cities
Gilda's
Club is long overdue!
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This holiday season
would you please consider making
a gift
to help us open the doors in the Twin Cities
click on this link
Your role
as
a GCTC supporter cannot be
underestimated.
With your contribution, we will be able to provide hope, education
and
support through our own Cancer Support Community.
Your gift will directly
support the goal of opening the doors in the Twin
Cities. All gifts, no matter the size, are deeply appreciated and
make a significant difference to those who are touched by cancer.
With
deepest thanks,
Jenni
Lilledahl
Chair,
Board of Directors
Gilda's
Club Twin Cities
To make
your donation please
click on this link
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| Welcome New Volunteer |
Pat Jones Cooper
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We set a GCTC Record for Funds Raised
On-line in One Day
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Thank you
for joining us on November 17th to support our Give to the Max Day at
GiveMN.org.
Seventy-five GCTC donors
contributed $11,890 in
24 hours.
Your generosity made Give to the Max Day a
historic event for Gilda's Club Twin Cities.
Our site at
GiveMN.org will be up year round, it's an easy way to donate and keep track of
your donations. If you didn't have a chance to try it you aren't too late. You can find the
GCTC PAGE HERE
Just click DONATE in the right column
GiveMN was
created by a group of Minnesota Funders to take advantage of the many benefits
that online giving offers both contributors and nonprofits. The GiveMN partners
help cover the cost of transaction processing, ensuring 100% of your donation
goes directly to GCTC.
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Resources
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Well Within is a Wellness Resource Center
created to assist and encourage people in the midst of a health
challenge who are seeking wellness and balance within their lives. A variety of
workshops, support groups and other integrative healing experiences are offered
that support the body's innate ability to heal, at low or no cost.
Well Within Integrative Healing Cancer Support Group for
Women Cost: Free
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Support Group, facilitated by Jane
Klein, RN and Mary Treacy O'Keefe
Mind/ Body Practices and some time
for sharing, facilitated by Cami Smalley, MA.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Well Within 1784 LaCrosse Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55119
651-451-3113
For more information click on:
http://www.wellwithin.org/
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Youth
Grief Services A Community Outreach
Program of
Fairview
Ridges Hospital
Youth Grief Services offers a
range of support and education services for grieving children and for the
adults who care for them. Children and teens benefit from being with kids their own age who have
also experienced the death of a loved one. They share the common experience of
loss as well as the changes they have had to face after a loved one dies.
As a community service of Fairview
Health Services, all their services are offered free of charge.
Fairview Ridges Hospital 201 East Nicollet Blvd Burnsville MN 55337
for more information click here
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Kundalini Yoga Class
An
open invitation from Erika Peterson, GCTC volunteer:
Anyone living with cancer, including families and
friends, can attend a FREE weekly, restorative Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
class, every Sunday. This is your opportunity to take part in a class
that will eventually become part of the calendar of activities at
Gilda's Club Twin Cities.
Sundays
5:00-6:00 p.m.
New Location
The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing,
2833 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis MN, 612-940-6510.
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Save the Date
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Monday, July 26, 2010
Minneapolis Golf Club
Third Annual Roseanne Roseannadanna Golf Benefit
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Happy New Year!
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Thanks to friends and supporters like you, 2009 was year of new momentum and growth for us.
We wish you and your families a new year filled with peace, joy, and meaning.
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