GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gilda's Club is celebrating two decades in West Michigan Monday. The nonprofit provides free emotional support to people on any kind of cancer journey -- whether they themselves have the disease or they are a friend or family member of a patient.
Founded by cancer survivors, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids officially opened its doors on February 15, 2001. However, the grassroots movement to bring a Gilda’s Club to our community began in the spring of 1996 by local philanthropist Caroline (Twink) Frey. As a cancer survivor, she knew personally the lack of social and emotional support resources available. Twink was joined by two other local cancer survivors – Deb Bailey and Smith – and together, these three women set about the task of founding Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
The anniversary is being celebrated virtually throughout the day with various activities. Additionally, the first $20,000 in donations made to Gilda’s Club in honor of their anniversary will be matched, dollar for dollar, thanks to the support of the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation.
The three virtual events being held on Feb. 15 are free but an RSVP to rsvp@gildasclubgr.org will be needed to get access to the ZOOM meeting. The events include:
- 10 a.m. – Program Update; a brief explanation of Gilda’s Club’s mission of offering free cancer and grief health support, and what the programs include.
- Noon – Celebrate Gilda’s History; co-founders Caroline (Twink) Frey and Susan Smith will share how Gilda’s Club began and important events along the way.
- 4 p.m. – Engagement Opportunity; conversations with community partners on ways individuals and organizations can play a part in Gilda’s Club’s community support.
As a breast cancer survivor herself, Cheryl Rockenback, continues to attend Gilda’s Club, not only for her own emotional, but to be there for others.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, and became a cancer member soon after that,” said Rockenback. “I am an active member still, and often mentor other members new in their cancer journey.”
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is affiliated with the Cancer Support Community, a network of 44 Clubs across North America. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently operated by a locally based Board of Directors.
“One hundred percent of every dollar raised stays right here in West Michigan,” said Wendy Wigger, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids President. “Gilda's Club's programs are sustained through the generosity of our community. Contributions stay local to help us further fulfill our mission of free cancer and grief support. Over our 20 years of service, we have had over a half million program contacts,” said Wigger.
For more information about Gilda’s Club or to donate, visit www.gildasclubgr.org, email at info@gildasclubgr.org, or call 616-453-8300.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.