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Pat
and Bill Geller—members/volunteers The piece of
jewelry that we automatically put on, the pottery bowl that is used at every
dinner, the painting that we know so well it becomes part of the wall—we all
have admired items that become part of life itself. At Gilda’s Club
South Jersey—Pat and Bill Geller are our human equivalents. Pat was
diagnosed 13 years ago with breast cancer. She and Bill, who are
lifelong residents of Atlantic County, got the news shortly after a mammogram
revealed a mass. She had a mastectomy and Bill helped nurse her back to
health. They remember the time vividly and, perhaps because Pat didn’t
need additional treatment, she said that the experience did not change her
life that much. “I took it in stride,” she said. “I had wonderful
support. Bill was with me. And my one daughter stuck to me like
glue.” “But it did
make us more aware.” Bill chimed in. “There was no place like this at
that time. The only support was the family. And when you are
involved in it---it’s like being in a closet and not knowing where the door
is.” So why come to Gilda’s Club South
Jersey now? The answer is simple: “Because we can.” Part of the
motivation is because they want to give back. That they do almost every
time they come to the clubhouse. Bill is tremendously handy and as a
former Township of Hamilton Fire Marshall, he is always helping the club stay
safe. Pat pitches in doing absolutely everything—from decorating to
weeding to straightening up the kitchen. “We’ve learned that you never
think cancer is going to happen to you,” Bill said. “It is important to
start enjoying life. We have made lasting friends here. In fact,
we had to come to Gilda’s to meet Bob—and he lives less than a mile
from our house.” They now
split their time between Laureldale and Highland County, Florida. Part
of their joy continues to be their four children, seven grandchildren and two
(almost three) great grandchildren. Their advice is to “Reach out, get
support and include Gilda’s as part of your second family.” Buy a Boardwalk Plank - It makes the perfect gift! Buying a boardwalk plank on the Larry Alper
Boardwalk Mural is a great way to honor someone. You can personalize a
plank in honor of someone, in memory of someone, to thank someone… for any
reason at all! It also makes a great holiday gift! The beautiful mural is located in the hallway
where all of our guests enter the clubhouse. Click here to
purchase a plank! Art
From The Heart
Edward Moran (American
1829-1901) We are soliciting donations of fine art –
paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, first editions, photographs, antiques
- which will then sold at auction. If you have a piece of artwork
that needs a new home, please think of donating it to Gilda’s Club! The
process is simple. Click here for
details.
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Registration
is required for all programming. Please
call to register: New Member Meetings
the Gilda’s Club program & tour
the clubhouse. Attendance is required before participating
in any group or workshop. Tuesday, December 7 – 3pm “The GCSJ Living Room” at AtlantiCare Cancer
Care Institute: Wednesday, December 15 – 12:30pm Noogieland
while parents/caregivers attend clubhouse
groups & activities. Super Saturday! Sponsored by Atlantic Medical Imaging For families touched by cancer in any way 9:30-10am- Family breakfast A parent or guardian must be present in the clubhouse for children to participate. Program Highlights NOW OPEN! “The GCSJ Living Room” at AtlantiCare Cancer
Care Institute – our very first satellite location! Upcoming programs held at the "GCSJ
Living Room" at the AtlantiCare Cancer Care
Institute: “Coping Through the Holidays” Wednesday, December 8 We recognize the
holiday season can be particularly difficult. Please join Marguerite
Heaton-Colella, MSW, LCSW, to discuss insights and helpful suggestions to nurture
yourself and your loved ones throughout the season. Wellness Group Thursday, December 9 Facilitated, weekly
support group for members living with any type of cancer, at any stage in
their cancer experience. Cookie Swap Wednesday, December 14 Share
your favorites while enjoying others'! Bring 24 - 30 cookies & a container
to take cookies. Open to Members,
Staff, Volunteers and everyone at the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute
Family. 1st Annual Holiday Pot Luck Social Wednesday, December 14 Bring
your favorite holiday food. Members, Staff, Volunteers, and everyone at
the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute Family come together & share the spirit
of the holiday season. It's a Paaarty!
Upcoming programs held at the Clubhouse:
“Spread the Spritit of Gilda’s Club to Our Soldiers” Tuesday, December 7 Create homemade
holiday cards for our soldiers, so they may send greetings to their loved
ones back home. Please join Lynne Platt, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Research
Nurse at AtlantiCare & paper scrapbook extraordinaire, as she teaches us
the art of card making using rubber stamps and glitter! New! Aromatherapy Tuesday, December 7 Learn about this
practice of using natural botanical oils to enhance your psychological and
physical well-being. Topics will include: where to obtain best
oils, how to incorporate them into your life & the healing properties of
some of the most common oils. There will be oils to experience & a
"goodie" for you to take home. With Jennifer Northridge, CMT, CLT New Time! Lung Cancer Group Wednesday, December 8 Facilitated, monthly
group for members with lung cancer, at any stage in their cancer experience. New! Get Fit While You Sit” Yoga Thursday, December 9 Reap
ALL the benefits of Hatha Yoga adapted for the chair. Join Colleen
McCarthy in a yoga practice incorporating breath, movement, and
meditation. Designed for people unable to practice traditional mat yoga
yet who want to increase flexibility, stamina, vitality and overall health. |
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