Hospice in the News 

Gilda's Club WNY  to Partner with The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care

                Sept. 28, 2010 Buffalo, NY - In a move to address the future needs and sustainability of Gilda's Club Western New York, the organization's board of directors has voted to affiliate with The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care (CHPC).  Effective Oct. 18, Gilda's Club WNY, located at 1140 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo will become a partner of CHPC, one of the nation's largest hospice and palliative care programs.

            The board of directors of Gilda's Club WNY approached CHPC in the fall of 2009 following a comprehensive planning process designed to address the sustainability of Gilda's Club WNY.  Gilda's Club and CHPC have common purpose and mission in offering support for persons experiencing the impact of cancer and, for CHPC, other serious illnesses.  Gilda's Club WNY is also an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, a global network of education and hope. CHPC is located in Cheektowaga, NY and oversees the programs and services of Hospice Buffalo, Inc. as well as several other agencies and programs.

            Under the partnership with CHPC, Gilda's Club WNY programming will continue at the clubhouse without disruption to members.  Gilda's Club's popular cooking and art classes as well as exercise classes such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga and monthly pot luck suppers will also continue.  In addition, weekly and monthly support groups will be maintained.                                                              

             "Over the past six years Gilda's Club has played an important role in complementing the medical care for those touched by cancer by providing critical emotional and social support," said Jock Mitchell, chair of Gilda's Club board of directors.  "Each year since our opening in 2004, demand for the Gilda's Club program has grown with the membership now exceeding 1,400 individuals.  We are excited about the partnership with The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care and firmly believe that the community will benefit from the collaboration while ensuring that these important activities are available for years to come."

            "We are looking forward to assisting Gilda's Club WNY to increase its presence as a destination for anyone touched by cancer, and their families and friends," said Patrick Flynn, vice president of Community Marketing for CHPC. "This collaboration embraces the mission of CHPC to provide exceptional care and life enhancing services for seriously ill patients and those who share their lives."

            Membership at Gilda's Club is free of charge for anyone touched by cancer and their families and friends. For more information about the Gilda's Club program, call (716) 332-5900 or visit www.gildasclubwny.org.