What We Do

Our philosophy suggests that if a member is participating in the Gilda's Club community in some way - be it attending a variety of activities, a few activities, or just hanging out in the Clubhouse -- he or she will be building social and emotional support that can be useful in learning how to live with cancer. It also says that members can improve their level of social and emotional support by supplementing the Basic III activities with meetings of family and friends at Family Focus, Team Convene, or Noogieland opportunities.

The Basic III includes:

1. Support Groups
   Gilda's Club Seattle offers three kinds of weekly, 2-hour support groups:
   • Wellness Groups for those who have a cancer diagnosis
   •  Family Groups for family members, partners, and friends.
   •  Family Alumni Group for those persons who have lost a loved one to cancer.
   Members are assigned to these weekly groups and there is a 4 month commitment.
2. Classes, Lectures and Workshops
   Each month our calendar offers a variety of educational opportunities, classes, and specialized workshops. Experts in a variety of fields share their current findings on cancer in our Thursday Lecture Series. Topics might include specific cancer diagnoses, research, psychosocial, spiritual, and nutritional issues. In classes and workshops, members learn ways to enhance skills and self-understanding through exercise, arts and crafts, cooking, yoga and meditation. We are always open to new class ideas.
   
3. Social Activities
   Gilda's Club members, families and friends gather for potluck suppers, comedy nights, game nights and other functions that support being with a cross section of this community that is learning to live with cancer.

The "Plus" includes:

1. Noogieland - the children's program for kids and teens ages 5 - 18
2. Family Focus - an individual family session focused on emotional concerns
3. Team Convene - a practical problem solving session with self-identified family