Hope Happens Here
Even when “here” is over the phone and through a computer screen.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is a vibrant free emotional health support community of children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving a death due to any cause. Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic, our team shifted our traditional in-person program virtual, ensuring our comprehensive program still meets you where you are with the type of support you need even during these unprecedented times. We know health is precious, and want to do all we can to help preserve the wellness of our community, many of whom are immunocompromised. We also know, cancer and grief don’t take a break. Neither do we!
Since opening our virtual clubhouse March 23 through the end of January, Gilda’s Club has
Offered 1,073 programs
Had 5,100+ service contacts
Reached over 50,800 people on our weekly Facebook Lives
It’s more than just numbers. Gilda’s club impacts lives.
When I first went to Gilda’s Club, I did not know what I would find, but I never imagined that I would find a family. From the moment I walked into the building I was greeted with warm smiles and kind remarks. I instantly felt accepted and part of a community. Even during mealtimes before groups would start, people sat with me. Even though they went to different groups than I did, we all mutually cared about each other’s wellbeing.
Being alone at home was hard for me at the beginning of the COVID quarantine. I felt so isolated from the outside world, and I was so excited when I got an email from Gilda’s Club saying that we would have a virtual meeting. Simply knowing I would be able to talk to everyone from the support group again was enough to make my day better. When I joined the meeting for the first time, my heart was full. I was so glad to see everyone and to be able to welcome new members into our group. When that first Zoom meeting ended, I literally cried because I had missed them 
all so much. The people in my group mean so much to me just simply being able to see them virtually was enough to make me feel more connected to them.