Noogieland™ is both a concept and a place where children and teens find that they are never alone with a cancer diagnosis. It is a place for children and teens that have a loved one with cancer, who have lost a loved one to cancer, or who have cancer themselves. The Noogieland™ Program makes sure that everyone in the family – mom, dad, brothers, and sisters – get the social and emotional support that they need.
In Noogieland™ children get a chance to play and laugh with other children who know what they are going through. They find healthy ways to express their emotions through art and play, as well as get the chance to share their “expertise” about cancer with other children. Children participate in weekly, monthly, and annual special events and celebrations.
Noogieland™ Programming:
Kids Noogie Nights Noogie Nights is a support group for children who have been touched by cancer in any way. Noogie Nights and Gilda's Club support groups for adults in treatment, family and friends, and bereavement are held simultaneously so that the whole family has a place to go for support and camaraderie all in one evening. Noogie Nights gives children a safe place to relax and play, but offers the option to discuss the emotional aspects of their cancer journey should they need it. - Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.
- 6:30 - 6:40 pm Check In
- 6:40 - 7:00 pm Ice Breaker
- 7:30 - 8:00 pm Free Play
- Every 4th Wednesday of the month incorporates a visit from Canine Assisted Therapy.
Family Circle Hospital Program Family Circle brings Noogieland support programming to families at Chris Evert Children's Hospital each week. Those families that are in the outpatient clinic for treatment and check-ups can join a Gilda's Club faciliator in the playroom at the hospital to meet other families, play, and participate in open discussion about cancer. Families are also encouraged to participate in the monthly Super Saturday groups held at Gilda's Club. - Wednesdays from 12:00 - 3:00 pm
- Group agenda is not time-restrained so families can come and go as they need to.
- Introductions and Ice Breakers
- Therapeutic Activity
- Open Discussion
- Promotion of upcoming Gilda's events/Super Saturday.
Super Saturday Super Saturday is a monthly program for families touched by cancer to come together for support through parent networking and children's therapeutic activities and discussion. Each month focuses on a different topic, and the afternoon concludes with parents and children coming together to share what they have gained. - Second Saturday of the month from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.
- 11:30 -11:45 am Check In and Family Introductions
- 11:45 am - 12:30 pm Parent Group with guest speaker & Children's Groups with therapeutic activities.
- 12:30 - 12:45 pm Talk It Out
- 12:45 - 1:15 pm Lunch
- 1:15 - 1:30 pm Closing & Gilda Goodbye
Cancer Talks School Program Cancer Talks is an in-school program for middle and high school students to learn more about cancer and Gilda's Club. Children who are touched by cancer are often hesitant to share their experience at school and tolerance and sensitivity can be an issue. This program aims to provide children ways to gain understanding and bring cancer awareness to their communities. Schools have the option to carry out a one-time or ongoing cancer related project. - Held at the request of the teacher and convenience of a Gilda's Club faciliator.
- Includes a Power Point Presentation to help guide discussion
- Introduction
- Pre Test (What You Think)
- Discussion with Physical Demonstration with a Medical Play Doll
- Q&A
- Post Test (What You Know)
- Discussion of projects
- Evaluations
Noogiefest Halloween Party Our annual Noogiefest Halloween Party is our largest children’s event and is held at Gilda's Club. Fun, food, games and activities make this festive event one to look forward to each year. | 
