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Entering
Through The Red Door By Nicole Milan-Tyner This article originally appeared in the September 2010 issue of The
Boardwalk Journal
In our lives we will
be confronted with many obstacles. Some will be minor hiccups along
life’s journey. Others will be more formidable opponents with the
effect of knocking us off our feet. However, the mere thought of CANCER
can seem insurmountable. This six letter word has the power to turn
one’s life upside down. It can impact us physically, emotionally,
spiritually and at times socially. Its reach can be felt far beyond the
person diagnosed but can have a profound impact on family, friends and
colleagues alike. Enter…Gilda’s
Club South Jersey, a free cancer support organization named for SNL
comedienne, Gilda Radner. But before I go on any further, let me first
dispel some myths about Gilda’s Club: •It’s
not just for women diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer but for men,
women, teens and children touched by any cancer. Entering
through the “red door” at Gilda’s Club is not always easy for a new
member. It can come with a lot of uncertainty and apprehension, but
once you enter that door a new sense of comfort and security can be
found. I first came to Gilda’s five years ago as the Teen Program
Manager. The night before I was to begin my position, I questioned if I
could handle such a job. In my mind, I envisioned sadness and
despair. Within a few days I came to learn that Gilda’s Club is
anything but that image. When you get to know the people at Gilda’s
Club, what will come to mind is the chatter and laughter from our members and
volunteers, and of course, the giggles from our smallest members, who make
Noogieland come alive. You will see people drawn together as they share
their cancer experiences and come to understand other commonalities. Social
and emotional support is so important, and often overlooked, when cancer
impacts your life. Too many people still feel stigmatized by the
diagnosis, as if they have been given a death sentence. I recall my
mom’s cancer diagnosis one year before my wedding. Though mom and I
talked often about her cancer, those talks were borne out of necessity;
limited to the next step like doctors’ appointments and treatment
times. I was petrified for her, my dad and myself, but chose not to
burden her with my thoughts and feelings. I would have given anything
to talk to another daughter whose mom was experiencing the same challenges as
mine. Though
I wouldn’t come to know Gilda’s Club for another eight years, I was still
very much aware of the fear cancer could instill in the lives of families and
was living that fear myself. I remember the doctor telling mom that if
she had to have cancer, her type and stage of breast cancer were the best to
have. I couldn’t fully appreciate what he meant until years later as I
saw so many other families struggle with the different facets of
cancer. Now, when I watch my mom and dad take an active role in my
children’s lives together, I am thankful for the optimism that the physician
sought to provide. Those
who muster up the courage to enter through the red door find that support
comes in all forms, and Gilda’s Club is there to provide whatever you
need. Whether it’s finding help in a support group or over a potluck
dinner, while in a lecture, rowing a dragon boat, or during a yoga, art, or
poetry class. I’ve been fortunate to help allay the fears of our teen
members. Yet through that experience, they have taught me more about
life than I could have ever imagined. In a lot of ways, I have
unexpectedly received support by helping them. Office Space Available!
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Registration
is required for all programming. Please
call to register: 609-407-4788 New Member Meetings
the Gilda’s Club program & tour
the clubhouse. Attendance is required before participating
in any group or workshop. Thursday, January 13 – 4pm The Living Room: Tuesday, January 11 – 11am Noogieland New Time! Tuesday Noogie Night - 6:30pm Same Time! Thursday Night Grief Busters - 6pm while parents/caregivers attend clubhouse
groups & activities Fun Friday! Sponsored by Atlantic Medical Imaging 5:30pm - 6pm - Family Dinner Registration Required 24 hours in advance. A parent or guardian must be present in the clubhouse for children to participate. New! Tween Group Tuesday,
January 11 Support for children ages 12 to 14 who are
touched by cancer in any way. Program Highlights NOW OPEN! “The GCSJ Living Room” at AtlantiCare Cancer
Care Institute – our very first satellite location! Upcoming programs held at
the "GCSJ Living Room" at the AtlantiCare
Cancer Care Institute:
New Date & Time! Wellness Group Wednesday, January 12 Facilitated,
weekly support group for members living with any type of cancer, at any stage
in their cancer experience. "Spread the Spirit of Gilda's Club to Our Soldiers" Thursday, January 13 Create beautiful
homemade cards for our soldiers, so they will have one-of-a-kind cards to
send to their loved ones back home. This month we will focus on Valentine's
cards. New Date & Time: Family & Friends Group Monday, January 17 Facilitated support
group for family members & friends of individuals living with
cancer. Healthy Recipe Exchange Monday, January 17 As the New Year
begins, it is the perfect time to review our daily health
regimen. We all want to eat healthy, but where do you find
"healthy" recipes? Please join us by bringing your favorite
recipes.
Upcoming
programs held at the Clubhouse: New Time! Widowed Persons Group Monday, January 10 Facilitated, monthly
group for members who have lost a spouse or partner to cancer. “Hereditary Cancer Syndromes… Know Your Risk for Early Detection and Prevention” Wednesday, January 12 What are significant
criteria that increase your risk and the options to reduce that risk? New Time! Lung Cancer Group Wednesday, January 12 Facilitated, monthly
group for members with lung cancer, at any stage in their cancer experience. New! Chair Yoga – “Get Fit While You Sit” Thursday, January 13 Do
you have the desire but lack the stamina and balance to participate in a full
yoga session? Well, Gilda’s Club has the solution to your problem. Every
Thursday at 11:00 Colleen conducts a class in chair yoga. It contains all the
positions and benefits of yoga while sitting in a chair. Colleen is both
motivational and inspirational in her approach. Give yourself the gift of
chair yoga for the New Year. I promise you will not be
disappointed! --
Jerri Pinsky, satisfied participant! |
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