The Power of Community
At Gilda’s Club, we know firsthand that community is not just a word, it’s a lifeline. When cancer touches us, it doesn’t affect only the body. It also impacts emotional well-being, relationships, and the sense of stability we all need to thrive. In those moments, the power of community becomes essential.
Research shows that belonging to a supportive community strengthens resilience in profound ways. Studies from the American Psychological Association have found that individuals with strong social connections experience lower levels of stress, better emotional regulation, and even improved physical health outcomes. Likewise, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, has consistently demonstrated that meaningful connections are a key predictor of both longevity and well-being. Simply put, being part of a caring community makes us healthier, stronger, and more hopeful. Here are a few more studies demonstrating the important value of community:
- Longevity & Social Connection:
A landmark study published in PLoS Medicine (2010) found that people with strong social relationships have a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social ties. Researchers concluded that the impact of social connection on mortality risk is comparable to quitting smoking, and stronger than many other well-known health behaviors. - Life Expectancy:
Data from Brigham Young University psychologist Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad suggests that strong social ties can add up to 7.5 years to life expectancy. - Mental & Emotional Health:
The CDC reports that people who feel socially connected have lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and better coping skills. - Resilience in Illness:
Cancer-specific studies show that patients with strong social support have better treatment adherence, lower distress, and in some cases, improved survival outcomes (National Cancer Institute, 2017).
This is exactly what happens within the walls and virtual spaces of Gilda’s Club Minnesota. Our support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities, and social events are designed to bring people together – patients, survivors, caregivers, and families – so that no one faces cancer alone. When members gather, they share strength in the hard times, celebrate victories both big and small, and remind one another that hope is real and healing is possible.
The magic of this community does not happen by accident. It exists because of each of you: our members who bring courage and honesty to every conversation; our staff who provide compassionate, professional guidance; our volunteers who give their time and hearts so generously; and our donors whose generosity makes it possible to offer these services free of charge. Together, you create a web of connection that research proves is essential to resilience – and that our members feel every day.
The power of community is the power of Gilda’s Club. It is in every smile of recognition, every shared story, every hand held in support. It is what makes us stronger than cancer. Thank you for being a vital part of this extraordinary community.
With care and community,
Katherine Todd
Executive Director
612-227-2147 main | 952-767-7620 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
