Gilda's Club Summer Picnic Was a Sizzling Success

A park, picnic and summer afternoon are the ticket to get away from it all, especially for one group that has more to get away from than most of us. Members of Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, a cancer support group, turned out at in Westwood Saturday for “Summer Sizzle in the Park,” an activity-filled afternoon of fun and friendship.

“It’s the first time we’ve had an activity outside of our headquarters in Hackensack,” said Brooke Laster, a social worker with Gilda’s Club and coordinator of the club’s “Noogieland” support program which provides regular activities for children and teens who have cancer or have a loved one with the illness.

“Sometimes, a family can’t get away for a vacation, because one of them is in treatment,” explained Laster. “An event like this gives them a break while also bringing our club members together.”

Kids and their families enjoyed hula hoops, ball-playing, craft tables and creative balloons shaped into hats and animals. They got to pet horses ridden by mounted officers of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department and meet Nero, a police dog from the County K-9 corps. Volunteers from Gilda’s Club were on hand to keep the pace lively.

“I’m really enjoying it,” said Lori Negri, one of the adults who was having her face decorated by face-painter Adam Neal.

“It’s nice to be outside,” commented Angela Andrews of Union City. She and her son Aidan browsed the picture books at a kids’ activity table.

“We love Noogieland,” said Andrews. “It’s great to have these events to come to.” Andrews and her son have been members of Gilda’s Club since 2007 when Aidan was diagnosed with leukemia.

“Aidan’s a cancer survivor,” said Andrews. “He finished treatment in January.”

The serious and focused 10-year-old confided that he hopes to become a “toy designer or make video games,” and said his favorite activities at the event were “playing catch and drawing with chalk.”

Some tiny tots gathered on a blanket to hear a story read by Jane Breen, co-president of Light One Little Candle, a non-profit organization that provides free children’s books to families coping with cancer.

“We believe reading allows a parent or caregiver who has cancer to form a bond with their children by spending time together reading happy books that have nothing to do with their illness,” explained Breen.

One picnic table was lined with fabric squares and colorful markers as adults and children alike were absorbed in creating sections for a quilt, a project sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs.

“Gilda’s Club is the 2010-2012 Special State Project of the federation,” said Lynne Berenbroick, project chairperson.

In a two-person softball game, 6-year-old Logan swung his bat at the ball pitched by volunteer Michelle Cheripka. A loud crack followed. “Home run,” shouted Cheripka as the little guy ran to retrieve the ball.

Like some of the other volunteers, Cheripka, a rising senior at Bergen Academies High School, became involved with Gilda’s Club because of personal experience. “My uncle died of cancer,” she explained. “I enjoy working with these kids and helping them to forget about their illness for a while.”

Just then, a shout-out for food drew the group to a summer buffet where Laster and other volunteers sliced up a massive hero sandwich, capping off the afternoon.

“It was fun,” said Mia, a blond 3-year-old who gave a positive review to Summer Sizzle.

Gilda’s Club was inspired by Gilda Radner, a comedian on "Saturday Night Live" who died in 1989. While in treatment for cancer, Radner treasured the emotional and social support she received and called for support communities to be formed for others living with the illness. Begun in 1995, Gilda’s Club now has branches worldwide, providing members with free support, networking, education about cancer and social opportunities. For more information about the northern New Jersey chapter, visit www.gildasclubnnj.org.