NEW YORK, April 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Facing the reality of cancer is difficult enough. Facing cancer while living in the epicenter of the Coronavirus pandemic is even more difficult. The current health crisis is making it harder for cancer patients in New York City to get the support they need at a time when they need it the most.

Gilda's Club New York City has adapted its in person free cancer support program to a new remote support model to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone, especially during this crisis. The new remote model uses videoconferencing to facilitate support groups, healthy lifestyle workshops, educational lectures, and networking events - all open to anyone impacted by cancer in New York City. This provides cancer patients and their families continued support while staying safe at home.

New York hospitals undergoing the current overload of COVID-19 patients are forced to limit non-patient visitors including families of cancer patients undergoing treatment. Creating a greater sense of isolation for cancer patients making Gilda's Club NYC's support program vital to this community.

"Our top priority at Gilda's Club NYC is ensuring that the population we serve - cancer patients and their families - can continue to receive our free support program in the safety of their home while New York City has become the epicenter of COVID-19," said Lily Safani, CEO. "The commitment and resilience of my professional staff made this happen quickly and seamlessly. I am thankful for my incredible team and our generous donors who continue to support us during our time of greater need."

One grateful Gilda's Club NYC member said, "Thank you so much for being available for us all the time, especially during this scary time of the Coronavirus, as it helps take away some of the anxiety of this ongoing crisis."

Demand for Gilda's Club's individual counseling support program has increased by nearly 70% due to the emotional impact of COVID-19. The new remote model at Gilda's Club has implemented 56 weekly and monthly support groups, 32 healthy lifestyle workshops, and 4 educational lectures.

Gilda's Club New York City was founded in 1995 as the first cancer support organization named in memory of Saturday Night Live comedian, Gilda Radner. Located in the West Village, Gilda's Club NYC provides free emotional and social support for anyone impacted by cancer including adults, teens, and children. The core program consists of weekly and monthly support groups, educational lectures, healthy lifestyle workshops and social activities. In addition to the program at the Clubhouse, there is a multi-location offsite program, Gilda Comes to You, that partners with medical centers throughout New York City. Gilda's Club NYC offers a full Spanish/English bilingual program with a broadened reach to medically underserved areas and anyone living with cancer in New York City. Over 10,000 individuals are reached annually by this unique program.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and would like to learn more about the Gilda's Club NYC program, check out their website or call 212-647-9700.

SOURCE Gilda's Club NYC

Related Links

http://gildasclubnyc.org