Posted on February 8, 2023
Gilda’s Club and Mary Free Bed Launch Cancer Education Workshop Series
Gilda and Mary are teaming up to talk about cancer. Mary Free Bed cancer rehabilitation physicians are partnering with social workers at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids to provide support and resources for patients, families and loved ones facing the rigorous disease.
The new Cancer Rehabilitation Education & Wellness (CREW) initiative will hold free, quarterly workshops for those on cancer journeys – be it their own or that of a loved one.
The first workshop – “What’s up, Doc?” – focuses on how to navigate discussions with health care providers. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences with other attendees, ask questions and hear insights from experts on:
- Communicating with your medical team
- Advocating for yourself or a loved one
- Asking the right questions
- Cancer rehabilitation
“We’re so excited to partner with Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids to provide this community resource,” said Dr. Meagan Smith, program director at Mary Free Bed’s Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program. “Comprehensive rehabilitation programs help patients physically, mentally and emotionally during their journey.” Mary Free Bed has three physicians with specialized training in cancer rehabilitation who lead inpatient and outpatient treatment. Specialized services are also available.
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional health support children, adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey – believing that community is stronger than cancer and no one should face this challenging disease alone.
“There are a lot of things to consider when faced with a cancer diagnosis, not just for the person living with cancer, but also for their family and support network,” said Wendy Wigger, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids president. “Gilda’s Club is thrilled to partner with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation to bring a new collaborative learning opportunity to the community. We want to help empower those on a cancer journey to more effectively communicate their concerns and goals with their health care provider.”
The community can call 616.840.8953 or email pmr.residency@maryfreebed.com to register or ask questions ahead of the event.
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 15 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Doors at 6:00 pm and program begins at 6:30 pm
WHERE:
Mary Free Bed Professional Building
350 Lafayette Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Free parking is available in the ramp directly south of 350 Lafayette Ave. SE, labeled ‘C’. Park on street level, enter the building at the north end of the ramp and follow signs to the Meijer Conference Center.
About Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids offers a comprehensive support program for anyone on a cancer journey. The program is designed to meet individuals where they are, when they need it, with a variety of social and emotional support options to choose from, including support groups facilitated by masters-level mental health professionals, educational opportunities as well as healthy lifestyle and social activities.
The nonprofit organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently provides in-person, virtual and hybrid support options through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., and community programs in various schools and community centers. An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community – the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently owned and locally operated. At Gilda’s Club no one faces cancer or grief alone. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.
