On the other side of the bright red door, hope, help, and smiles wait. Whether people seek education, social interaction, personal growth, or just a safe place to recoup, they are sure to find a community of support at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
As the organization gets ready to launch its third annual 10-day LaughFest -- a festival celebrating laughter for the health of it -- many in the community think cancer support when they think of Gilda's Club. Although it originally opened in 2001 to serve individuals diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones, it has now evolved into an all-inclusive grief support haven for adults and children.
"Grief is grief, whether it is cancer related or not," says Wendy Wigger, VP of community relations and program development at Gilda's Club. "Our grief support programs focus on social and emotional support for children, teens, and adults, and include those facing cancer, an injury-related death, or loss of a loved one for any reason."
Emotional healthcare is at the core of the Gilda's Club approach. Recognizing a need in our community to support and respect the unique way children deal with grief, they began the Children's Grief Program in 2008 for kids, ages 3-18. It offers free support to teens and younger children grieving the loss of a loved one.
Research shows that children are more likely to develop physical and psychological problems later in life if they do not receive support to help them understand their grief. Gilda's Club acts as a safe haven where children can let go of their emotions and have fun doing it, while being supported by others who understand. All of the grief groups are facilitated by a professional with a master's degree.
In an effort to raise additional funds for the Children's Grief Program, the Wege Foundation is offering to match all donations received -- from $5 - $50,000 -- through the end of March. Give a "High Five" donation of $5 and Wege Foundation will match it by donating another $5. The goal is to raise $100,000 to benefit children.
Gilda's Club, while affiliated with Gilda's Worldwide, is independently operated by a local board of directors. This nonprofit is supported 100 percent through charitable gifts, which all stay in West Michigan, and sustained by volunteers always ready to help people find their smiles again. Gilda's Club is a member-based organization, with no charge for membership or any activities.
Wigger believes that no matter what grief situation people are facing, in time "most everyone has the ability to move forward, to gain back their smile, and not let a single diagnosis or event define their life."
The Gilda's Club motto clearly defines its cooperative spirit -- "In this together... Learn. Share. Laugh." If you want to learn, share, or laugh with the organization or get involved in other ways, here's how you can:
- Donate to "
High Five" to benefit the Children’s Grief Program.
- Visit
LaughFest online for more information.
Source: Wendy Wigger, VP of Community Relations and Program Development at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
Writer: Terri Spaulding, Do Good Contributor
Images courtesy of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
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