Help and Hope

Guest speaker Robin Gilman, Program Director, presented a comprehensive description of the Gilda's Club of Northern New Jersey at Friday's meeting.  The original Gilda's Club was named for comedienne Gilda Radner who died in 1989 after a three year battle with ovarian cancer because of her wish that no one face cancer alone. The success of the original NYC Club formed by Bill and Gene Wilder resulted in similar clubs elsewhere, including the one in Northern New Jersey. From a Club for women facing cancer, it has grown to aid all effected by cancer, men and women, family and friends of cancer patients, children as well as adults, and health professionals.

Ms. Gilman estimated that over 3000 people had taken part in their Club.  When asked about funding she reported it was completely through donations.  Only once did the funds run out, and the Director went to The Record and $100,000 was raised resulting in the Club reopening after one day!  There are no membership fees, and services are free.  Activities are numerous including exercise classes, support groups, discussion groups, lectures, yoga, sewing, and most important activities with others with similar interests, children with children, etc.

Referrals come from many sources, with health providers, particularly hospitals and word of mouth the most common.  Anyone touched by cancer (and that includes practically all of us) can join. The Club is located at 575 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ  07601 and the telephone is 201 457 1670.  Learn more at their web site: www.gildasclubnnj.org.