Noogieland

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
NoogieNights on Thursday evenings takes place in Noogieland, a fun place with murals, toys, art supplies, games and space to relax. Children (ages 5-12) whose parents are in support groups attend Noogieland where cancer doesn’t need to be a secret and all questions are okay. When children know that other families are having similar experiences, it reduces stigma and provides a safe place to discuss cancer, so that as one young member put it, “It feels more relaxed at home now because we know we can talk about it at Gilda’s.”

The “It’s Always Something” Teen Essay Contest provides a way for teens, who often hesitate to attend more conventional support programs, to express their emotions, concerns, fears, and hopes about how they are touched by cancer. Gilda’s Club works with Coachella Valley high schools to engage students in writing their essays, and local civic leaders act as judges to select the top three winners. All entrants receive a certificate of participation and the First, Second and Third place winners receive significant monetary prizes. There is also an Awards Ceremony that celebrates all the teens who enter the contest and their families. This is a wonderful community event.