Gilda’s Club Madison is here for anyone touched by cancer and we continue to provide free cancer support during the pandemic. We know that our community already faces isolation as they live with the impact of cancer, making it even more vital for Gilda’s Club to find ways to create opportunities to gather, connect, and learn…even from the comfort of your own home. Below is information about some of our programs—For the full listing of our activities, please visit our program calendar.
New Member Meetings
We continue to welcome new members! Click here to learn more about our FREE membership.
People who are living with cancer, their family members and friends, caregivers and bereaved, can talk one-to-one with a licensed mental health professional who will listen to their cancer experience, hear their needs and connect them to appropriate support groups (video and/or phone), community resources, online educational workshops and more.
Schedule a meeting by emailing program@gildasclubmadison.org or calling (608) 828-8880.
Support
Our professionally-facilitated support groups are now being offered via Zoom, a HIPPA-compliant online tool, that allows group members to meet via online video conference and/or phone.
Weekly Support Groups
Support groups facilitated are by licensed mental health professionals are offered on a weekly basis. The groups provide an opportunity for participants to meet with others and share first-hand experiences. Even though many people receive support from friends and family, it can be beneficial to receive support from those going through similar experiences. In all weekly support groups a regular commitment is requested, and members must first meet with a Program staff person to receive group placement.
Currently we’re offering these weekly groups virtually:
- Individuals diagnosed with cancer (Wellness Group)
- Those caring for someone who has cancer (Family & Friends Group)
- Those who are grieving a death to cancer (Living with Loss)
Monthly Support Groups
In addition to weekly support groups, monthly support/networking groups are specialized groups which provide an opportunity for members to connect with one another about similar cancer-related issues or experiences. These groups are open to our members that are located in Wisconsin.
Registration is required to receive information (and the link) to join the virtual meeting—Visit our Program Calendar for more information and registration. Questions? Please email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call (608) 828-8880.
- Breast Cancer, 1st Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 pm
- Blood Cancer, 2nd Monday of the month, 5:30 pm-7 pm
- Young Adults, 2nd Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 pm; 4th Thursday of the month from 6-7pm
- GI Cancer, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 3-4:30 pm
- Prostate Cancer, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm
- Moving Forward, 3rd Thursday of the month, 4:30-6 pm
- Gynecological Cancer, 4th Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 pm
- Metastatic Cancer, 4th Wednesday of the month, 5-6:30 pm
Youth & Family Programming
Kids and teens can find connection with each other through scheduled workshops and social activities. Visit our Youth & Family page to learn more, and keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events.
Short Term Individual Counseling
If you’re a member and interested in cancer-related, short term individual counseling please email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call (608) 828-8873.
Distress Screening
Members can participate in an online distress screening that will help Gilda’s Club staff identify and triage people who are at risk for illness-related psychosocial complications that may interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and its treatment. For more information please email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call (608) 828-8873.
Open to Options™
A licensed mental health professional will help anyone diagnosed with a new or recurrent cancer who is facing a treatment decision. The goal is to help the individual communicate clearly with their medical team, ask critical questions about treatment options and ensure that their decisions fit their personal hopes and goals. To schedule an Open to Options™ meeting please email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call (608) 828-8873.
Patient Advocacy
Our Patient Advocate can meet with individual members virtually to help them navigate cancer-related challenges with insurance coverage, employer accommodations, and more. Learn more here >
Healthy Living
Cooking Classes
Live, interactive cooking classes offer an opportunity to learn about nutrition and cooking from talented chefs. You can cook along or observe as a lecture. We offer multiple classes each month on different topics—Visit our program calendar to find the latest offerings and to register.
Relaxation & Guided Imagery
Wednesdays from 12 pm – 1 pm
Activate your relaxation response. Science has shown guided meditation can be of great benefit – from reducing anxiety and depression, to increasing overall happiness. Join us for an hour of relaxation. Registration is required. Visit our program calendar to register.
Yoga
Tuesday from 10 am – 11:15 am
Thursday from 12 pm – 1:15 pm
More information about these and other classes can be found on our Program Calendar. Registration is required.
Therapeutic Expression (Art & Writing)
Every week we offer a variety of opportunities to explore your creative side. Art classes include drawing, art journaling, crafting, and more. We also offer writing workshops. Check out our Program Calendar to see what we’re offering this week.
Tai Chi
Mondays from 9:15am – 9:45am, and Thursdays from 9am-9:30am
Tuesdays from 7pm – 7:30pm
Visit our Program Calendar for more information. Registration is required.
Information & Referral
Please see our Community Resources page for reliable local and national resources.
Visit our COVID-19 Updates page for information and resources related to COVID-19.
For additional support you can also utilize the Cancer Support Helpline via phone at 888-793-9355 or via web chat.