Cancer affects the entire family. Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit offers ongoing support for youth of all ages who have been impacted by cancer – living with cancer themselves, who have a loved one diagnosed, or are grieving the loss of a loved one to cancer.
We offer age-appropriate support and educational activities that meet youth where they are. Our programs offer a place to connect, learn, have fun and talk about experiences, while being supported by our professional staff and trained volunteers.
For more information, please call 248-577-0800 to speak with one of our Program Staff members. Participation in support groups requires completion of a New Member Meeting. You can start that process here.
Kids Talk: A support group for children (ages 6-12) designed for kids with a family member or friend with cancer. This group focuses on positive coping strategies, self-esteem building, and age-appropriate cancer education.
Teen Talk: A support group for teens (ages 13-17) with a loved one diagnosed. Join us as we make connections and focus on positive coping strategies, self-esteem building, and creating a community of support.
Teen Grief: A support group for teens (ages 13-17) who have experienced the loss of a close family member or friend to cancer.
Parenting with Cancer: For parents who have a cancer diagnosis. Meet with other parents navigating the landscape of raising children while also taking care of your own health/mental health needs.
Kids Living with Cancer: A support group for kids (ages 5-12) currently receiving treatment for a cancer diagnosis or within 1 year of completing treatment.
Teens Living with Cancer: A support group for tweens/teens (ages 13-17) currently receiving treatment for a cancer diagnosis. Programming structure includes 45 minutes of support group time followed by 20+ minutes of play at our free arcade inside Durfee Innovation Society.
Parenting A Child With Cancer/Survivor: A support group for parents of a child in treatment for cancer or completed treatment with cancer. Find hope and encouragement with other parents with similar experiences.
Family Fun Days: Our monthly family social events where we participate together in a variety of activities from arts and crafts and game days to scavenger hunts and holiday-themed projects. Meets one day a month.
Teen Art Therapy: Interactive therapeutic art workshop for teens (ages 12-17) focused on self-expression and self-discovery. Facilitated by a licensed art therapist.
Kids Connect – Kids Connect is our partial day summer program for children (ages 6-12), running select dates in June and July. We feature special guests, educational opportunities, and a lot of indoor and outdoor fun. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Wendi at whenning@gildasclubdetroit.org.
Noogieland: Noogieland is a special place where kids can be kids, play with other children and families, and see that they are not alone. Bring the kids (12 and under) in for open play on Wednesdays from 4-8pm in Royal Oak. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. To arrange for childcare, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance.
Frankly Speaking – What Do I Tell The Kids?: If you are a parent, or caring for a child and cancer is in your family, this booklet (click here) is meant to give you information about a child’s general understanding of cancer, ways to talk to them about cancer, some common behaviors you may see in children, and ways to support your family through this experience. Hard copies of the book are available at each of our locations. We also recommend our GCMD podcast episode of How to Talk to Kids About Cancer.
Educational Series: Quarterly educational presentations with information for families regarding childhood cancer, parenting with cancer and/or family coping. See calendar for details each month.
When Cancer Comes to School: When a child or teacher in the classroom has a cancer diagnosis, kids have a lot of questions. It’s important that kids learn the truth from a qualified professional. We also offer an opportunity to help kids know what to say, what not to say, and how to be a good friend/helper to someone with cancer. Contact us to arrange a school visit.
