Why are we doing the Red Door 5K?
The Red Door 5K Run/Walk will directly support Gilda’s Club Family Programs. Gilda's Club's program for children and teens is called the Family Cancer Support program. This program also acts as a supplement to parents who are members. It supports the Gilda's Club philosophy that says: "Gilda's Club is equally for people with cancer and their entire families." Children and teens touched by cancer deserve to have a place to turn that addresses their specific needs. The name of our playroom, Noogieland, is a humorous reference to a bit of Gilda Radner's comedy.
These are our Family Programs that you are raising money for!
Parents Group
Support group for parents whose children (under age 18) have someone in their lives living with cancer and for parents who have children or teens living with cancer.
Parents of Children with Cancer Networking Group
Two separate groups: Parents of Children with Cancer and a Kids Creative Arts group - in partnership with Seattle Children's Hospital. These are drop-in groups that meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 5:00-6:30 pm (6:00-7:30 pm beginning 12/19/2013) at Children's Hospital. Both groups are professionally facilitated. Groups meet together at 5 pm in the Family Lounge on the 7th floor of the Forest Zone Cancer Care Unit for light dinner and beverages and then break off into separate groups.
Small Talk
Talking time and fun creative arts group for kids ages 5-9 with cancer in the family. (Parents Group meets at the same time).
What Now?
Survivorship group for kids ages 10+ whose family members have survived cancer or who have survived cancer themselves. This group will explore emotions and feelings in relation to survivorship, family dynamics, and how kids relate to the world in their part of the universe. Art and recreational therapy based group.
Camp Sparkle
Camp Sparkle is a journey for children that provides education, creates long lasting friendships and builds a community where everyone is affected by cancer. Free of charge this week long day camp is offered three times a year in Seattle and Tacoma. Campers are between ages 5-11.
Teens, Cancer and Community
More than 73% of teens have been touched by cancer yet teens are often an overlooked audience, especially regarding cancer prevention and dealing with the social and emotional needs brought about by cancer. In Washington State, 25% of families with a cancer diagnosis are home to children under the age of 18. In the family, uncertainty and change -- brought about by a cancer diagnosis -- can result in feelings of anxiety, fear of death, loneliness, poor self-concept, anger, resentment and guilt.
We have found that teens are very receptive to cancer-related programs in their own school setting. Since 2005 Gilda’s Club Seattle has reached more than 26,000 teens in high schools with its "Teens, Cancer and Community" (TCC) program – unique in Washington State.
The 50-minute lively and engrossing power point presentation is an interactive opportunity for teens to learn about cancers that should be of concern to them, cancer prevention, how exercise and nutrition equate with cancer risk reduction, the psychosocial issues around cancer, and the importance of social and emotional support. There is no high school curriculum offering a program like this and it has been identified as an unmet need. We work with health education teachers to schedule presentations in advance of each semester.
It’s Always Something Teen Writing Contest
The “It’s Always Something” teen writing contest is an annual event sponsored by Gilda’s Club Seattle. This essay writing contest is for any teen in grades 9 through 12, in Washington State, who has been touched by cancer either through a personal diagnosis or that of a family member or friend. Dealing with cancer can unleash a storm of emotions, questions, and unexpected discoveries. Finalist essays are read by a panel of celebrity judges. The grand prize winners will are chosen from the finalist group. Winners are provided a scholarship.
