The Big Ten!
As many of you may already know, I have a basketball starting line-up of daughters; actually, just four. My oldest daughter, Peyton, turned ten this past winter, which shattered me. I cried, thinking about her getting older and more curious about the world around her and changing as she grew. It wasn’t until I asked her what it meant to be ten that I realized the gift and beauty in aging and maturing. She was a child that I had with intention. The goal was always to watch her grow, support her, and love her for as long as possible, and I have had the pleasure of doing that for ten years.
I can only imagine the feeling that the founders of Gilda’s Club, Jenni Lilledahl, Dolly Lowery, Carrie Puterbaugh, and Valerie Martinson, have as they have watched and contributed to the evolution of Gilda’s Club. Ten years ago, Gilda’s Club opened its doors for the first time. But our story begins when our founders dreamt of a better Minnesota where anyone impacted by cancer could receive the support they need and deserve. It’s incredible to think that over the last ten years, Gilda’s Club has offered cancer support for individuals and families, shifted how cancer support is offered, maintained our programming through a global pandemic, and sustained through organizational changes, including our recent name change! We have learned so much throughout our time that has changed us, yet we have been able to stand firm in the vision of our founders and the mission of the organization.
The number 10 is believed to represent personal transformation and enlightenment, and that could not describe Gilda’s Club Minnesota any better. We have spent ten years dreaming of what could be, planting the seeds, watching them grow, and harvesting them. And now, in 2024, we get to spread the love and joy that Gilda Radner has given to so many people, to every Minnesotan facing cancer in the form of cancer support. What a gift! If you have not done it already, consider celebrating with us at our 10th Anniversary Gala on April 18th.
The quote for today is for those of you curious how Peyton answered the question about what it feels like being 10:
“It feels like nine, but I’m cuter, smarter, taller, and a little meaner.”
I’m sure we all can relate to getting older. Here’s to 10: may we all allow the beauty of aging to shine a little brighter, stand a little taller in who we are, and spread a lot more kindness.
As always, we are grateful to each of you who has advocated for, supported, and uplifted Gilda’s Club and its members. Together, we have been able to impact individuals and families across the state meaningfully. With your continued love and generosity, we can sustain that Gilda magic for another ten years. Speaking of magic, I’ve listed some programs below to try!
- Gilda’s On the Go: Gilda’s Goes Walking
- Various dates and times
- Our weekly walking groups return this April! This spring, we’re hosting walking groups in Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Paul, and Woodbury. Join one or more walking groups for conversation, fresh air, and light physical activity.
- Art Therapy: Nervous System Reboot – Online with Zoe Johnson, MA
- Thursdays from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
- Join this weekly mindfulness workshop, blending yogic meditation with intuitive art, designed to provide a nourishing and restorative experience. No prior art or yoga skills are needed! These sessions are grounded in the latest neuroscience, offering a nurturing space to tap into your inner wisdom, process emotions, and discover personal strengths. This workshop is perfect for anyone in the Gilda’s community, whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, caregiving, in or post-treatment, or grieving.
- Tree Painting – In-person at the Clubhouse with Kellie Rae Theiss
- Tuesday, April 16th from 12:30 – 2:30 pm
- Join esteemed Minnesota artist Kellie Rae Theiss for a tree painting class at Gilda’s Club! Kellie Rae Theiss has dedicated her life to observing and painting nature, and on April 16th, she’ll transport you through the intimate spirit, beauty, and wonder of trees through painting.
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, LICSW
Program Director
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-7627 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55305
