Updated Response to COVID-19

(Updated December 4, 2023) As we continue to navigate life since COVID, Gilda’s Club Madison is committed to providing safe support, education, and social experiences for people facing cancer. The need to practice safety measures in support of our friends and neighbors living with cancer continues.

We are keeping the needs of those we serve in mind as we offer in-person programs. Some programs continue to be offered online-only, particularly those with participants from outside of Dane County. However, whenever possible, we are bringing programs back to the clubhouse or offering a hybrid (in-person and online) version. Family Night has returned on Tuesdays, providing both a meal and emotional support for the whole family. Note: in-person programs will be placed on hold if community levels are considered high in Dane County on the CDC website.

To protect and maintain a safe and healthy environment for our members, many of whom are immunocompromised, Gilda’s Club Madison will require the following precautions.

  • As always, members, volunteers, and staff who are feeling ill should not come to the clubhouse. We strive to keep illness caused by bacteria and viruses out of our clubhouse to protect those who are most vulnerable and their caregivers. 
  • Gilda’s Club Madison will continue to provide virtual online access to short-term one-to-one counseling and group support.
  • Mask use is currently at your discretion in public areas of the clubhouse and while participating in programs. Masks are available at the greeter desk.
  • In addition, if you have been to the clubhouse and you become ill or learn you are positive for COVID, please notify us right away at COVID@gildasclubmadison.org so that we can complete contact tracing and notify others you may have been in contact with.

Periodically, we will review COVID hospitalization levels in the community and guidance from the CDC. As needed, we will re-evaluate the need for the stated precautions. We may reduce or increase safety protocols as we deem necessary for the best interest of our community. Thank you for your continued understanding, support, and patience.

Please reach out to us with any questions and refer to the online program calendar if you’re uncertain about the in-person, hybrid, or virtual status of an upcoming program.

Remember: cancer doesn’t take a break, and neither does Gilda’s Club. Thank you for being an important part of keeping our community healthy.

Regards,

Lannia Stenz, Executive Director/CEO
lannia@gildasclubmadison.org

Kirsten Norslien, Program Director
kirsten@gildasclubmadison.org

Note: This policy has been updated as of December 4, 2023. As of this date we have removed the vaccination requirement for volunteers and members. We will continue to monitor and reassess, based upon COVID-19 developments nationally and in the State of Wisconsin.


Our Virtual and In-Person Programs

Click the button below to learn more about our virtual and in-person program offerings:


Additional Resources

COVID-19 General Resources

COVID-19 Related Financial Assistance

  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Urgent Need Program-19 Patient Financial Aid Program: Provides eligible patients with assistance for non-medical expenses including rent, mortgage, lodging, utilities, childcare, elder care, food, transportation, car repair, car insurance, phone service, and acute dental work related to treatment. Eligible patients will receive a grant of $500, once within a 12 month period. At the end of the 12 month period, patients can reapply. Click here for more information on eligibility criteria and application.
  • Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Patient Support: Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) BMS has offered an Expanded Patent Support phone number: 1.800.721.8908. This program is designed to offer free products to patients with a current prescription for a BMS medicine who have lost their job and health insurance due to COVID-19 pandemic, or are non-US residents unable to travel to their home country due to COVID-19 pandemic. See www.BMS.com for more info and this PDF for a full list of covered meds.
  • Additional financial assistance resources: Visit NeedyMed’s comprehensive national listing (note that many funds for COVID19 financial assistance have closed).

Other Resources