NEW YORK, NY — NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and Gilda’s Club Westchester are partnering on a new program that will bring Gilda’s Club Westchester’s widely acclaimed cancer support services to the Bronxville-based hospital. The partnership will allow patients at NYP Lawrence and the southern Westchester community to participate in the Gilda’s Club Westchester programs, regardless of where they receive their cancer treatments. The programs are free.
Previously, patients at the Hospital had to travel to Gilda’s Club Westchester in White Plains to participate in the cancer support groups and other educational and supportive oncology services offered by Gilda’s Club Westchester.
Starting in September and October at NYP Lawrence, licensed clinical social workers from Gilda’s Club Westchester began leading Post-Treatment and Living with Cancer support groups, as well as conducting a Coping Skills Workshop for anyone with Cancer.
Gilda’s Club Westchester’s mission is to create welcoming communities of emotional and social support for those of all ages who are living with cancer along with their families and friends, free of charge. Its innovative programs are an essential complement to medical care, providing compassionate support through individual and family counseling, support groups, lectures, workshops and social activities.
“The availability of the support services that Gilda’s Club Westchester will now offer to the NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital community along with the already high quality of our cancer care medical team is a perfect combination,” said Dr. Maureen Killackey, MD, FACS, FACOG, director of Clinical Cancer Services at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. “This is the model for patient- centered cancer care: the right team at the right place and time for patients and their families.”
“Offering emotional support as a complement to medical care is a key component of our mission and is essential for true patient-centered care,” said Melissa Lang, DrPH and CEO of Gilda’s Club Westchester. “We are honored to work with the entire team at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital to bring their patients and the community the support services that are so important for individuals with cancer.”
In northern Westchester, Gilda’s Club Westchester has a partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor offering Living with Cancer support groups for men and women newly diagnosed with cancer. These are held on the first and third Thursday of each month from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1980 Crompond Road in Cortlandt Manor.
Below are details on current programs Gilda’s Club Westchester is holding at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital at 55 Palmer Road in Bronxville:
Living with Cancer Support Group
First and third Thursday each month │ 5 to 6:30 pm
This ongoing support group, led by licensed clinical social workers from Gilda’s Club Westchester is for adults who have been recently diagnosed with cancer or are in active treatment.
Post-Treatment Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month │ 4 to 5 pm
This ongoing support group offers cancer survivors a chance to learn about the late effects of cancer treatment. The program provides the opportunity to share and learn from other participants regardless of their specific cancer diagnosis or course of treatment. The meetings will be led by licensed clinical social workers from Gilda’s Club Westchester.
Additional workshops will begin in the spring. All programs will be held in the Cancer Center Conference Room at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, 55 Palmer Road, Bronxville. On-site parking is available. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP and for more information, please contact Gilda’s Club Westchester at 914-644-8844 or info@gildasclubwestchester.org.