Gilda’s Club Westchester: Cancer Support for the Whole Community
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
One of APOGEE’s core values is the belief that “wellness” includes a deep sense of purpose and concern for others. So, outreach programs in our local communities are an important aspect of APOGEE life. In Westchester, we have found a very special wellness partner in Gilda’s Club. Founded in 1991 in memory of comedian Gilda Radner who died of ovarian cancer, this international, non-profit organization has provided emotional and social support in a welcoming, non-clinical environment to anyone whose life has been touched by any form of cancer. This includes men, women, teens and children who are living with the disease, along with their families and friends. Everything is free of charge and all are welcome. At Gilda’s Club no one faces cancer alone.
The Westchester affiliate opened its signature red door in White Plains in 2001, and since then has helped thousands of people cope with the many new challenges imposed by a cancer diagnosis. Networking and support groups, lectures on topics of common interest and concern, workshops, children’s programs and social activities create a fellowship that is an invaluable complement to medical care and embraced by the medical community. According to program director, Amy Mlodzianowski, a typical day at Gilda’s Club Westchester might include a knitting or beading workshop, a Pilates mat class, a lecture on the role of nutrition in treatment and a “coffee talk” social hour where people can “relax, kick back, and NOT talk about cancer.”
Greenwich resident Larry Winick has been attending three support groups since January designed for men with newly diagnosed partners—one for men only, one for the entire family and another that addresses parenting. “By the time I got to Gilda’s Club I was so overwhelmed by information from doctors, surgeons and oncologists that I felt paralyzed,” he says. “It’s been a real life saver for me to have a place to vent and learn how others are coping.” What’s the most important thing he takes away from these meetings? “That’s easy,” says Larry, “hope.”
This fall, APOGEE will be celebrating its partnership with Gilda’s Club Westchester with promotions and special events to build awareness of this extraordinary resource in our community and inspire volunteerism while we raise money to ensure their important work continues. Here’s what we have planned:
• New Member Donations: A donation will be made for every new membership at our White Plains and Bedford Hills centers through Oct. 3. Learn more APOGEE about memberships.
• Shop + Share: 10% of sales at all our APOGEE shops will be donated to Gilda’s Club.
• Spin-a-thon Benefit: On Saturday, Sept. 26, we’re having “fun”draising Spin-a-thon to benefit Gilda’s Club at Bedford Hills. Open to members and non-members. Learn more here or call: 914-244-1606.
• Gilda’s Club Grand Opening Raffle: Tickets will be available for purchase at Bedford Hills in September with winners being drawn during our Bedford Hills Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. Learn more about the event.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Gilda’s Club Westchester volunteer opportunities and applications will be available at APOGEE reception desks throughout the awareness campaign.
We encourage all our members to learn more about Gilda’s Club Westchester and not only participate in our fundraisers but consider volunteering or making personal donations. We’d be delighted to arrange a visit (It’s within blocks of APOGEE in White Plains), so you can see first-hand the difference Gilda’s Club makes to those facing cancer’s many challenges—which, ultimately, is each and every one of us.
Gilda’s Club Westchester
80 Maple Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 644-8844
info@gildasclubwestchester.org
