As We Serve Others, We Serve Ourselves
Happy Summer! As of June 1st, I have been at Gilda’s Club as Program Director for one year, and what a beautiful whirlwind it has been! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve all of you.
The past twelve months have offered no shortage of reflection on the past, present, and future of Gilda’s Club. If you can recall, in my first few months, we outlined what the future of Gilda’s Club would look like: Gilda’s programming in the community, virtual and in-person programming, and more accessibility for cancer support across Minnesota. We spent the last twelve months with intention and began planting those seeds within our community and programming. Now, we are starting to see those dreams come to fruition. Beginning mid-July, our Gilda’s On-the-Go programming will be starting a Spanish Speaking support group in St. Paul. This support offering was made in partnership with a student from the University of Minnesota, and is made possible by grant funding from the Mount Sinai Community Foundation, and will serve as a guide for reaching other underserved communities. This is one effort to move forward with our plans for making cancer support more equitable and accessible across the state of Minnesota. In addition, Katherine and I have had opportunities to participate in the 2022 legislative session by testifying in support of bills and legislation supporting the members of the cancer community we serve. Just as we encourage you to advocate for yourselves in your care, be assured that your friends at Gilda’s are doing the same! This work is imperative for laying the groundwork for tomorrow.
I have always believed that if we serve others, we serve ourselves too. Giving back and being an advocate is a way to feed your spirit and be a helping hand. As always, here’s a quote for reflection:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
No matter your plans for this summer, I hope you all find time to be your own sunshine and someone else’s. We are ecstatic about all the new and upcoming programs for you all. I listed a few of them below! Consider signing up for any of the following programs on our website:
- Education – The Power of Your Story: Using Your Voice to Create Change (Hybrid)
- Wednesday, August 31 from 11:00am – 12:30pm
- Join Emily Myatt and Britta babel from American Cancer Society to talk all things advocacy! Learn about legislative efforts to support cancer patients and survivor and how you can be an active part of advocating for change by using your voice. Attendees will walk away knowing how to connect with lawmakers, have opportunities to take action during the training, and how to share their story with decision makers and the media.
- Education – Forest Bathing (In-person)
- Wednesday, September 7 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
- Join our amazing facilitator, Renee Levesque, LICSW, for a presentation and exploration into the practice of forest bathing. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to have a positive impact on physical, emotional, cognitive and mental health. Beyond these benefits, Forest Bathing provides the opportunity to connect with nature and the more than human world by slowing down and utilizing all of our senses to carefully observe and notice how we are interconnected.
- Education – Nurturing Your Whole Self: Holistic and Natural Approaches to Cancer Care (Virtual)
- Monday, September 12 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
- Join Dr. Helen C. Healy, N.D. in a presentation about natural and holistic approaches to managing cancer treatments and side effects. Dr. Helen C. Healy, N.D., is a Registered Naturopathic Doctor with the state of Minnesota and has been serving clients for over thirty-eight years. She is currently the owner and operator of Wellspring Naturopathic Clinic, located in St. Paul.
- Social – Coffee Talk with Staff (In-person)
- Every 1st Tuesday of the month from 9:30am – 10:30am
- Looking for a chance to informally connect with other members? Then join in Coffee Talk! If inspired, you are welcome to share a poem, a quote, a joke, or anything else that inspires you with the group. All are welcome! So grab a cup o’ joe (or tea and a tasty treat) and let’s connect!
- Social – Euro Café (In-person)
- Every 2nd Monday of the month from 10:00am – 10:30am and 11:00am – 11:30am
- Join us once a month for brunch with a European flair! The menu will change every month and will be served up by gourmet experts, Ernie and Bette. This is a delicious way to start your week! All you have to do is sign up and then dish up.
- Support – Early-Stage Survivorship (Hybrid)
- Wednesdays, September 7 – 28 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
- There is no denying the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and families. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start and what to do in those initial days, weeks, even months after diagnosis. Join us for a new series about early stage survivorship and empowerment. This series will explore topics such as advocacy, nutrition and exercise, mental health , how to take control over your care.
- Support – Open Art Therapy Studio (August only, Hybrid)
- Thursdays, August 4 – 18 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Open art studio is dedicated free time to be creative! Finish one or more art projects begun in an earlier art therapy session or start that art project you have all the supplies for or come play with new-to-you art media in the clubhouse. You’ll have lots of encouragement and support for making your art.
Sign up for these upcoming program offerings on our virtual program offerings page and in-person program offerings page, in your class registration account, or call us at 612-227-2147.
With love and gratitude,
Shaunequa James, MSW, LGSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
