Gilda Radner, our namesake, was known for saying ‘Bunny Bunny’ on the first of every month to bring her good luck and fortune. Gilda’s whimsical, fun-loving spirit is the inspiration behind Bunny Bunny – our monthly newsletter released on the first of each month, sharing highlights from around our Clubhouses.
Everyone needs a place. That’s what Detroiter and comedian, Gilda Radner said when she was facing a cancer diagnosis that seemed insurmountable. Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit is that place.
Our Program is 100% Free. Whether you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, or have recently lost someone to cancer, there is a place for you at Gilda’s Club. Since 1993, more than 10,000 individuals and families have visited our Clubhouses in Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores, or Detroit. Our program provides support and networking groups led by licensed clinicians, educational lectures, healthy lifestyle workshops and social activities for cancer patients, their loved ones, and those who are bereft.
From yoga for every ability to beginners’ tap dance class, there was something new for all to explore in our March calendar. Laughter filled the room during improv workshops. Therapy dogs provided comfort and cuddles to all who needed them. Our community came together over shared meals, fun-filled bingo nights, and creative egg decorating activities.
We held educational presentations on the importance of preventative cancer screenings. We were proud to host a meaningful seminar just for healthcare professionals, aiming to enhance our support services for caregivers. We continue to grow and learn through the support of our community.
198 programs. 1,185 program visits. 92 new participants in our program.
We offer 150+ free programs each month for men, women, teens and children facing cancer, along with their families and friends. Below is a selection of the upcoming programs available across our four locations, with a full catalog of events available on our website.
Group support provides you opportunities for connection with others who are sharing a similar experience and the comfort in knowing you are not alone. At Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit, we offer free support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, providing a space where you can be yourself and honor the full range of emotions you’re experiencing.
With many groups meeting weekly, bi-monthly or monthly, our support groups offer something for everyone. We offer a range of support groups to meet the specific needs of our community, including individuals who:
- Have been personally diagnosed with cancer.
- Those caring for someone diagnosed with cancer (friends, family, caregivers, etc.)
- Bereavement support for loved ones that are no longer with us and were impacted by Cancer.
Research shows that joining a support group can improve one’s quality of life. Being able to receive emotional support from others that are going through similar experiences has proven to be highly impactful. Our support groups are broken down into two categories:
- Diagnosis Specific Support Groups
- Networking Support Groups
Networking Support Groups: Monthly specialized groups which provide an opportunity for members to connect with one another about similar cancer-related issues or experiences. Examples of our Networking support groups include but are not limited to:
- Family Bereavement
- Life After Treatment *
- Living with Cancer
- Men’s Group
- Parenting with Cancer
- Spouses Bereavement
- Women of Color
- Young Adults
Diagnosis Specific Support Groups: Support groups that are based on a specific cancer diagnosis. Diagnosis specific groups can meet either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. The goal of these groups is to allow a safe space for members to connect surrounding a specific cancer diagnosis. Examples of our Diagnosis Specific groups include but are not limited to:
- Breast Cancer *
- Leukemia/ Lymphoma *
- Multiple Myeloma *
- Metastatic Breast Cancer *
- Ovarian & Gynecological *
*Please note, groups that have an asterisk next to it means that it is only for those diagnosed with cancer or with the specific issue listed.
To find out which support groups are currently being offered at one of our three physical locations or through our virtual community, please click below or contact us directly to speak with a member of our Program Team.
Children, Teens & Families
Cancer affects the entire family. Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit offers ongoing support for youth of all ages who have been impacted by cancer – living with cancer themselves, who have a loved one diagnosed, or are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer.
We offer age-appropriate support and educational activities that meet youth where they are. Our programs offer a place to connect, learn, have fun and talk about experiences, while being supported by our professional staff and trained volunteers.
Please call 248-577-0800 to speak with one of our Program Staff members. Participation in support groups requires completion of a New Member Meeting. You can start that process here.
Support Groups: Families Impacted by Cancer in the Family
Kids Talk: A support group for children (ages 6-12) designed for kids with a family member or friend with cancer. This group focuses on positive coping strategies, self-esteem building, and age-appropriate cancer education.
Teen Talk: A support group for teens (ages 13-17) with a loved one diagnosed. Join us as we make connections and focus on positive coping strategies, self-esteem building, and creating a community of support.
Teen Grief: A support group for teens (ages 13-17) who have experienced the loss of a close family member or friend to cancer.
Parenting with Cancer: For parents who have a cancer diagnosis. Meet with other parents navigating the landscape of raising children while also taking care of your own health/mental health needs.
Social Activities & Educational Opportunities
Family Fun Days: Our monthly family social events where we participate together in a variety of activities from arts and crafts and game days to scavenger hunts and holiday-themed projects. Meets one day a month.
Teen Art Therapy: Interactive therapeutic art workshop for teens(ages 12-17) focused on self-expression and self-discovery. Facilitated by a licensed art therapist.
Kids Connect – Kids Connect is our partial day summer program for children (ages 6-12), running select dates in June and July. We feature special guests, educational opportunities, and a lot of indoor and outdoor fun. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Wendi at [email protected].
Noogieland: Noogieland is a special place where kids can be kids, play with other children and families, and see that they are not alone. Bring the kids (12 and under) in for open play on Wednesdays from 4-8pm in Royal Oak. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. To arrange for childcare, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance.
Frankly Speaking – What Do I Tell The Kids?: If you are a parent, or caring for a child and cancer is in your family, this booklet (click here)is meant to give you information about a child’s general understanding of cancer, ways to talk to them about cancer, some common behaviors you may see in children, and ways to support your family through this experience. Hard copies of the book are available at each of our locations. We also recommend our GCMD podcast episode of How to Talk to Kids About Cancer.
Educational Series: Quarterly educational presentations with information for families regarding childhood cancer, parenting with cancer and/or family coping. See calendar for details each month.
When Cancer Comes to School: When a child or teacher in the classroom has a cancer diagnosis, kids have a lot of questions. It’s important that kids learn the truth from a qualified professional. We also offer an opportunity to help kids know what to say, what not to say, and how to be a good friend/helper to someone with cancer. Contact us to arrange a school visit.
Healthy Lifestyle Activities
Building new habits for well-being
These classes and workshops are led by professionals and skilled volunteers and include a broad range of body-movement, stress reduction, and creative expression classes to increase members’ physical ability, sense of control and well-being. These programs are open to Gilda’s Club members only. Typical workshops include:
Mind-Body Practices
such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and reiki enable you to reconnect with the breath and body through gentle movement. Experience the mind-body connection while reducing tension and improving emotional balance.
Expressive Arts
such as visual arts, improv and writing provide creative outlets, are life-affirming and enhancing, and offer a welcome respite from treatment, caregiving, grief, and daily stress.
Nutrition
led by dieticians, nutritionists, chefs, and volunteers, provide information and insight into maintaining and improving health and habits while facing changing circumstances—and making delicious meals!
Exercise
is critical to survivorship. Join a class to maintain and build your strength, balance, and endurance.
Educational Presentations
We offer educational presentations – both in-person and virtually – several times a month. Our educational programs are presented by top physicians, nurses, and practitioners, giving you up-to-date information about many cancer-related topics. We create a welcoming environment of learning where questions are encouraged.
Previous presentation titles have included:
- Healthy Cooking with Superfoods
- Creating Your Medical Power of Attorney
- Holistic and Complementary Options During Treatment
- What Do I Tell The Kids? – Talking About Cancer
- Advancements in Treatment and Side Effect Management
- Coping with the Cost of Care
- Processing Grief & Loss
- The Science Behind Combating Cancer-Related Side Effects Through Exercise
See our calendar for the educational presentations currently being offered.
Tuesdays @ 2:00 p.m. – Detroit
Thursdays @ 2:00 p.m. – Royal Oak
Painting can be a wonderful release of tension and helps quiet the mind – of course, a little jazz music doesn’t hurt either! Join us Tuesday & Thursday afternoons to create your own ‘Paint by Number’ work of art as we listen to jazz music and try our hand at acrylic painting on canvas. With the numbers guiding you, anyone can do it! Registration is required, supplies will be provided. This program takes place in-person at our Royal Oak and Detroit locations.
2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Virtual
A support group for adults 18+ seeking to find joy while grieving and growing with others after the death of a loved one. Whether your loved one passed yesterday or 20 years ago, all are welcome to explore our grief and healing with curiosity, courage, and compassion. This program is hosted virtually, taking place on Zoom in our virtual community.
Weighted Yoga
Thursdays at 10:00 am
Virtual
Join us for Weighted Yoga with Cathie, a fantastic addition to your regular yoga practice. Using small hand weights, the class will begin and end like a traditional yoga class.In the middle, we will alternate between a yoga segment and an upper body weight segment, building a well-rounded, full body workout. This program is hosted virtually, taking place on Zoom in our virtual community.
The Uncomfortable Conversation of Hospice Care
April 30th at 6:00 p.m.
St. Clair Shores / Hybrid
Due to fears and misconceptions, most people with advanced illnesses postpone hospice enrollment and miss out on months of symptom management and psychosocial support available for themselves as patients and/or their families. Join Karen Delaflor, RN from Assured Hospice as she discusses the benefits of hospice care. Karen will also discuss myths and misconceptions centered around the idea of hospice. Please bring your questions. Refreshments provided! This program is hybrid, taking place in-person at our St. Clair Shores location, with attendees having the option to participate virtually on Zoom in our virtual community.
Thursday, May 30th, 5:30 pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Join Gilda’s Book Clubs
Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to explore a new hobby, our book clubs offer something for everyone. Join us to make connections, broaden your horizons, and deepen your appreciation for reading. With a variety of genres and meeting formats, there’s bound to be a club that works with your interests and schedule!
Membership is free. Click here to join now!
gildasclubdetroit.org
[email protected]
3517 Rochester Rd.
Royal Oak, MI 48072
Gilda’s Lake House
23500 Pare St. Suite 1
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Detroit at 313.356.7600.
Royal Oak at 248.577.0800.
St. Clair Shores at 586.777.7761.
Virtual Community at 248.577.0800.
Bunny Bunny to the month ahead!
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