Children affected by cancer, and children who have a family member or friend with cancer, deserve a program that addresses their specific needs. This special program at Gilda's Club is called Noogieland - in a humorous reference to a bit of Gilda Radner's comedic action. The name is just silly enough to make perfect sense to children, whether they know about Gilda, or not.
Noogieland is loaded with goodies for children of all ages to share. It is a warm, supportive play environment that fills important psychosocial needs and allays children's fears by making the cancer experience part of ordinary life. Noogieland is filled with stimulating toys and art supplies, with customized play and support activities facilitated by Glida's Club staff. We meet federal daycare hygiene standards to ensure a safe environment for children with cancer. While children enjoy their time in Noogieland, their parents family members and friends participate in their own clubhouse activities.
Noogieland has two functions: It is both the Gilda's Club Program for Children and acts as a supplement to the Basic III for parents who are members. This dual role comes from the philosophy that backs up our entire program: Gilda's Club is equally for people with cancer and their entire families.
Noogieland Offerings for Children include:
Kid Support: a ten-week support group for children who have cancer, or have a loved one with cancer
Noogie Nights: special supervised play hours for children whose parents are attending member activities
Noogie Fest: an annual Halloween party for children and their families and friends
Teen Talk: an opportunity for teens to volunteer and socialize, as well as discuss the impact of cancer on their lives
Griefbusters: a six-week support group for children school age through teen who have had a loved one or friend die from cancer
Super Saturdays: monthly fun and educational events for children and parents
Activities and Other Support for Noogieland Parents & Families:
All Basic 'III' activities: support groups, workshops, lectures and social events
Family & Friend Groups for support when a child has cancer
Team Convene for support with tasks of daily living
Family Focus for support with family clallenges in relatin to cancer
Pediatric Oncology Networking for parents of a child living with cancer
Regular family conferences with Noogieland Coordinator, upon request
Bibliography of helpful books and videos for parents and children
Noogieland Fundamentals:
Noogieland is a place for children and families to have fun
As Noogieland members, children are full and equal members of the Gilda's Club community
Children's needs and their place in the family should be recognized and honored
Children can contribute to the good health of the family
Cancer cannot and should not be hidden from the children
Children always know what's happening in the family
Children are "experts" about their own knowledge and experience
Children and parents can talk about cancer
Children may participate in and contribute to Family Focus; they are proud to be invited to be part of a Team Convene
Volunteers' consistency is essential
Flexibility is key in implementing children's activities
Staff and volunteers provide honest explanations about cancer and work willingly with each parent's way of handling the truth
Children should not be probed to express feelings
Noogieland volunteers are expected to actively participate with children
Volunteers must be caring, warm and loving
A background check, screening and training are required of all Noogieland volunteers. Volunteers are supervised by staff members
Noogieland meets all Federal Day Care Hygiene standards
