COVID-19 Updates

Updated Response to COVID-19

(Updated January 19, 2023) As the risk of COVID drops, the communities that Gilda’s Club Madison serves have started to return to something that resembles “pre-pandemic” life. And, for families that are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, there is more to the story. 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 that have participants involved from other areas of the state. However, we are excited to be bringing many of our programs back to the clubhouse or offering a hybrid (in-person and online) version. In-person Family Night Programming for families with children and teens will launch in February. Note: in-person programs will be placed on hold if community levels are considered high in Dane County on the CDC website.

As always, the safety of our members, volunteers, and staff is incredibly important to us. 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.
  • Members, volunteers, and staff will be required to wear a mask at all times in indoor public areas and while participating in programs. Masks are available at the greeter desk. Outdoor programs do not require masks unless participants are unable to keep their distance.
  • Staff and volunteers will clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
  • 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.

At this time, our Governing Board and staff respectfully recommend that those who are in active chemotherapy that impacts the immune system, and those living with a blood cancer, consider continuing to participate virtually.

On a regular basis we will review COVID 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 you may have 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 January 19, 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:

Learn More

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