Support Groups
20s & 30s
A virtual support group for people in their 20s & 30s living with or surviving a cancer diagnosis. For individuals recently diagnosed to 5 years out of treatment.
Adult Bereavement
A virtual support group for individuals who have had a person in their life die from cancer.
Caregiver
A virtual support group for family members and friends who are caregiving for a person with a cancer diagnosis.
Kids Grieve Too
A virtual support group for children ages 4-12 years who are remembering someone who has died of cancer. By using a variety of therapeutic play activities, which are mailed to their home, the children will engage virtually to receive support and education, ask questions, express difficult feelings and share common experiences.
Kids Talk Out
A virtual support group for children ages 4-12 who currently have someone in their life who has cancer. By using a variety of therapeutic play activities, which are mailed to their home, the children will engage virtually to receive support and education, ask questions, express difficult feelings and share common experiences.
Living with Advanced Cancer
A virtual support group for individuals living with advanced cancer (stages 3 & 4).
For individuals who are recently diagnosed to 18 months out of treatment.
Living with Cancer
A virtual support group for individuals living with cancer.
For individuals who are recently diagnosed to 18 months out of treatment.
OVCA Peers
A virtual network of ovarian cancer survivors that meet once a month to support one another, to build knowledge, to provide information and to share resources about living with ovarian cancer.
To join, email – OVCAPeers@gmail.com
Parent & Caregiver
A virtual support group for parents/caregivers who are concerned about the impact that their cancer diagnosis and treatment may have on their children.
For parents/caregivers living with a cancer diagnosis and their partners who have child(ren) under 17 years of age.
A virtual pediatric parent support group was developed in partnership with Childhood Cancer Canada to fill the pediatric oncology parent/caregiver support gap.
For parents and caregivers of pediatric oncology patients.
Post-Treatment
A virtual support group for individuals who are 18 months – 5 years post-treatment of a cancer diagnosis.
Teen Talk: Family & Cancer
A virtual support group for teens ages 13-17 who have an immediate relative living with cancer. The group helps youth find their own unique voice and develop positive peer relationships and coping strategies.
Teen Talk: Grief & Cancer
A virtual support group for teens ages 13-17 whose friends and family members have died from cancer. The group helps youth find their own unique voice and develop positive peer relationships and coping strategies.
Teen Voice: Expression Through Grief & Cancer
A 6-week virtual peer-support group program providing a space for teens to develop coping skills through expressive outlets such as art, music, & more.
For teens who have an immediate family member living with cancer or have lost someone from cancer.
Writing Through Cancer
A virtual 6-week closed writing group using a variety of prompts and exercises designed to help you explore and express your experience of cancer.
Join the “Writing Through Cancer” program and experience the power of writing together with other cancer survivors. If you don’t tell your story, who will?
Healthy Lifestyles
Distance Reiki
Learn about this healing practice where, through intention and visualization, the Reiki practitioner channels energy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, regardless of physical distance. Reiki is a gentle and effective way to enhance holistic wellness.
Mindfulness Meditation
Take pause, breathe deeply, and lean into the present moment through virtual guided meditation and mindfulness practices. We will use our breath and senses to practice arriving in the present, cultivating compassion, and tuning into the wisdom of our bodies and each other.
Mitzvah Technique
Improve your posture and release tension/stress at the same time! Enjoy gentle and practical sitting, standing and walking exercises in these virtual sessions. The Mitzvah Technique can be readily applied to daily work and physical activities.
NeuroMovement®
NeuroMovement® is a gentle, easy, and accessible practice delivered virtually for calming the nervous system while improving mobility and overall well-being.
Therapeutic Touch
A healing modality you can use while in the hospital or at any time as a complement to your medical plan. Manage everyday aches and pains, anxiety, and stress, improve sleep patterns, and feel better. You will feel empowered as you take more control of how you feel in these virtual sessions!
Yoga
In these virtual sessions you will awaken your senses and experience awareness through mindful movement, breath, and sound to find relaxation, improved energy and relief from the stress of pain and discomfort; progress to balance, strength, and general well-being.
Zumba
A fun and energetic virtual fitness class based on Latin and other international dances. No dance experience is necessary as all the moves are easy to follow. All fitness levels are accommodated.
Yoga Nidra
A deep relaxation and meditation practice. It is a healing state where the mind and body relax while consciousness remains aware. Although not actual sleep, one session can feel like a full night’s sleep, offering deep energetic healing.
Social Connections
LiveWalks
Combatting isolation by bringing the world to you through real-time, interactive virtual tours from all corners of the globe. Travel the world without stepping outside your door. Email LiveWalks at info@LiveWalks.org or visit
LiveWalks.org to learn more and hear about upcoming events.
Writing with Grief
A virtual drop-in writing workshop for adult members who have experienced the death of a close person or loved one to cancer.
Never Mind Comedy
Come and celebrate in the spirit of Gilda’s Toronto’s namesake with laughter at the live, in-person Never Mind Comedy show. An evening of timeless humour, perfect for families and friends alike that promises endless fun and laughter.
Digital Sherpa
Digital Sherpas are here to help you confidently and independently use your devices.
For everything from safely accessing the internet, turning on your zoom camera, sending emails, to any other tech question you may have, we are here to provide live tech support.
This program is open to members and non-members.
Monthly and Annual
Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Gilda’s Toronto invites all bereaved family members with children and youth under the age of 18 on Children’s Grief Awareness Day to a special virtual workshop to recognize grieving children and honour their person in their life who has died.
During this event, bereaved families, children and youth will have the opportunity to meet other families who have experienced a significant loss from cancer.
Family Evenings
Each quarter, Gilda’s Toronto invites all family members with children and youth under 18 years to join us for themed, in person family evenings full of activities and opportunities to connect with other families.
Family Camp
The Gilda’s Toronto Family Camp offers members the chance to engage in a community of shared experience while creating memories, connections, and a legacy as a family.
This overnight family camp experience will bring families together in a shared form and offer them the opportunity to build meaningful relationships that last outside of Gilda’s Toronto.
Education Sessions
Each month, Gilda’s Toronto hosts a variety of education sessions presented virtually by industry professionals.
Nutrition Showcase
Each quarter Chef Amy Symington virtually shares delicious recipes of healthy, plant-based, and mindful nutrition for cancer.
Treading Above Water: Education Series on Dying and Death
A series of virtual education sessions in March to learn how to process difficult information and plan the best options for you or your loved ones during a period of time when life’s waters are calm, so that you will be able to keep your head above water when life becomes more turbulent and the water gets deep.
One on One
Careful Steps: Navigating cancer with children
A virtual one-on-one service that offers guidance to parents/guardians who are concerned about the impact their cancer diagnosis and treatment may have on their children/youth.
Prep Talk: Questions to consider in your cancer care
Facing a cancer treatment decision? We can help.
Prep Talk helps you identify important questions about your treatment options based on your personal needs in this virtual one-on-one service.
Zoom & Portal Support
Our Virtual Program Coordinator will meet with you virtually at the jointly agreed scheduled time and go over everything from the basics of Zoom to any of your specific questions or concerns about the member portal.