I'm participating in the West Side Walk for Gilda's Club this year on September 18! As many of you know I have the privilege of working for Gilda’s Club and have had a front row seat to the impact our free cancer and grief emotional health support makes in the lives of those we serve.
Our program is beginning to return to our traditional in-person format, but over the course of the pandemic I was reminded again and again that cancer and grief doesn’t take a break. In fact, during the pandemic emotional toll that comes with a cancer diagnosis or loss of someone in our members lives became more acute, having extra hurdles and barriers to navigate.
There were silver linings though, when our program went virtual, our team did not anticipate the expanded geographic reach it would allow us. We’ve had members from further afield, including states on the other side of the country take part in our program. We’ve members tune in from hospital beds as they received treatment. We expanded our program to include additional digital elements that allow our emotional health support mission to shine and provide to the general public as well as members. None of these things would have been possible without our virtual shift, and we know that even as we return to in-person support, an element of our program will remain virtual to allow these much needed connections and support to flourish.
Funds raised at events like the West Side Walk help make our program possible and keep it free to our members. The last thing they need as they navigate their cancer or grief journey is another bill. The cost of providing free support is high, so I’m asking all of my friends and family to make a donation to my West Side Walk Campaign to help ensure no one has to face cancer or grief alone. Thank you!