Rooted in Resilience, Powered by Compassion
“Resilience is based on compassion for ourselves as well as compassion for other” – Sharon Salzberg.
Here at Gilda’s Club Minnesota, our volunteers make our philosophy and mission possible by offering their time, energy, and compassion to ensure no one faces cancer alone. The resilience that drives our volunteers’ dedication is often unseen, but it is deeply felt.
Resilience comes in many forms. It doesn’t always look like a bold gesture or resounding professions. Oftentimes it manifests itself as a quiet consistency — the volunteers that come week after week to greet our members with warm smiles, provide emotional and social support, and to provide healthy outlets for our members even on the toughest of days. Resilience lives within those who personally have been impacted by cancer and choose to return to support others through their own journeys.
Whether our volunteers are greeting our members, facilitating support groups, tending to our healing garden, leading a yoga class or simply offering a listening ear, Gilda’s volunteers provide a presence to a space that can feel at times uncertain and overwhelming. Their companionship reminds us that healing occurs not only with medicine, but with connection, community, and the simple yet powerful act of showing up.
Our volunteers resilience does not mean they have yet to experience pain or grief, it means they continue to support, give, and believe in our mission despite it. And because of that, we are infinitely grateful.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Melissa McWilliams
Program & Volunteer Coordinator
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-2591 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
