Excerpts from Endorsement Letters
"... I write to lend my support to the establishment of a Gilda's Club in Madison, Wisconsin. While some find solace in support groups and others are connected with individuals who have been through the cancer experience, the majority of cancer patients and their loved ones go through this terrifying experience without the company of others who understand. The value of a permanent facility where people diagnosed with cancer and their families can participate in a variety of activities or just drop in cannot be overstated. At Gilda's Club they could find emotional support as well as share and develop the advocacy skills that are vital for health care consumers today...."
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"...there are many people who suffer from cancer who have a more optimistic prognosis or who continue to seek a cure. Their support network is limited, often leaving them lonely and isolated in their battle. The full program of services like those offered through Gilda's Club would address a growing need in this area...."
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"...While there is indeed for some of us a human chain of support, I have met others who feel isolated and have difficulty reaching out for the support they need, if they even know it exists. This includes family members who don't know how they can best help a person experiencing cancer. And many sufferers and their families are here in Madison because our community offers treatment that is unavailable to them in their home communities, so they are especially adrift without support. A Madison-area Gilda' s Club would provide visibility to a support system that would be a gift for people from throughout our state, and even the mid-west, who come here for specialized treatment...."
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"...[Gilda's Club Madison Wisconsin] will provide much needed emotional and social support to people with any type of cancer, at any stage and also their families and friends. Such support is an integral component to medical treatment and can make a critical difference in the quality of life for those experiencing cancer. As a freestanding organization, GCMW will welcome all cancer patients and loved ones free of charge, which truly defines the essence of cancer community...."
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"...As we research what is most important in health and healing we find that one of the most crucial factors is social support and feeling like we are part of a larger community. Combine this with state of the art cancer care and you will have an optimal healing environment. Unfortunately, being diagnosed with cancer can be a very isolating experience. The number of choices in regards to care can seem overwhelming. Having a community available that will provide support, guidance and education will help reduce these stressful emotions. Gilda's Club of Madison will complete this therapeutic process in providing people with cancer a place to find compassionate and supportive direction. This will enhance the individual's ability to find that unique balance they call health, which should always be our goal despite the progression of the physical disease. Health is always possible, even when a cure is not. Gilda's Club will be a very important ingredient in this process and its presence will have a positive influence not only for those with cancer, but for the Madison community as a whole...."
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"...It is also important to note the need for a Gilda's Club in the Madison metro area. Many residents of Wisconsin travel great distances to use hospital facilities located in Madison and currently do not have the support that a Gilda's Club could offer as they are far away from their homes. Locating a Gilda's Club in Madison would offer an excellent support network for the thousands of rural residents of Wisconsin...."