Gilda’s Club Program Offered Online to Help Young Adults with Cancer Manage Stress

Stress Management Program Gives Patients Information and Ways to Manage Their Health throughout the Cancer Journey DAVENPORT, IA – APRIL 2018 – Beginning Saturday, April 21, 2018, Gilda’s Club is offering an online program to help people diagnosed with cancer, including those undergoing treatment, to manage the stress of diagnosis and treatment. Gilda’s Club received a grant from the Iowa Cancer Consortium to address the unique needs of young adults 18-39 with cancer. This program empowers those living with cancer through weekly group sessions designed to teach effective strategies and techniques to better manage cancer-related stress. Specifically, the young adult version of the program will include topics on autonomy, relationships, communication, finances and healthy behaviors. Sessions will be held online using GoToMeeting.   *   Saturday sessions will begin on April 21 and be held from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.   *   Monday sessions will begin on April 30 and be held from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. This program is made possible by the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a partnership of health care providers, public health professionals, caregivers, researchers, cancer survivors, volunteers, and many other Iowans who work together to reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa. “I highly recommend the program for anyone going through cancer,” said a past participant. “The series provides helpful information no matter what stage of your cancer treatment you are in.” Every year in the U.S., more than 70,000 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer, which represents about 6 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Psychosocial and support services available to adolescents and young adults with cancer are limited, although the needs are great due to the many emotional, developmental and transitional changes that occur during this stage in life. To learn more about this program or to register to participate, contact Kelly Hendershot, 563-326-7504, kelly@gildasclubqc.org. About Gilda’s Club Free of charge, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer.  As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States.  Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer. # # #