A Time to Thrive
I hope I am not alone in saying that the past year and a half has brought many feelings of uncertainty and doubt, especially about the future. We have all faced many changes to our lives, both expected and unexpected, as we navigated a pandemic and our members as they navigate cancer. As we start to come out of the shadows of 2020, it is time we reflect on moving forward and embracing the future with optimism. So I want to take a moment and offer a piece of sunshine to you about the future of programming at Gilda’s Club.
Please take a moment and journey with me to the future of programming. Imagine a Gilda’s Club where our support groups, social opportunities, education sessions, and healthy lifestyle classes are brought to you in the community or from the comfort of your own home. A Gilda’s Club where you can experience the comfort and support of community both in our physical clubhouse location and in our virtual clubhouse. Let’s re-imagine how anyone impacted by cancer in Minnesota, whether they live in Minneapolis or Rochester, access our support and community. Together, we can bring this Gilda’s Club into fruition and thrive as we do it.
I want to leave you all with a quote from my favorite author and poet:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
– Maya Angelou
This quote rings true for me, and I hope it does for you too, as I think about the growth of Gilda’s Club over the years and where we continue to grow.
We have survived many things over the past year and a half, and now it is time to thrive. Whether it be a moment or a lifetime, I hope you all find a way to thrive through the year and follow the sunshine along the way. Highlighted below are some of the programming offerings that will help you do just that and be your best self.
- Writing Through Cancer: A Writing Workshop Series – This series will guide participants through hands-on, real-time writing exercises on specified topics. The session topics are “Diagnosis and Initiation to Cancer,” “Treatments and Medical Team,” “Coping Strategies and Support Systems,” and “Outcomes and Resolution.”
- Food for Life: Nutrition Series – This class provides information on how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage cancer growth, along with demonstrations of simple recipes that can be easily recreated at home.
- Gentle Yoga – This gentle, slow-paced, and relaxing practice focuses on stretching and strengthening all areas of your body. At the end of class, a restorative yoga pose and a guided meditation will help further release stress and tension and restore your mind, body, and spirit.
- Alternative Treatments for Cancer Effects – We all know how taxing cancer treatment can be on the mind and body. Join us for a panel discussion about alternative methods to cope with the effects of treatment.
- Rare Cancer Support Group – If you are living with cancer but feel like an outsider even within the cancer community because you are living with a rare cancer, this group might be for you. Join us to meet with people who understand what it means to live with a rare cancer.
Sign up for these upcoming program offerings on our virtual program offerings page, the My GCTC app, or in your class registration account.
With love and gratitude,
Shaunequa James, MSW, LGSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55305
