Gilda's Club and Mary Free Bed Host Free Quarterly Cancer Workshops

The latest event focuses on how nutrition can help during cancer treatment and survivorship.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Gilda's Club Grand Rapids and Mary Free Bed are partnering to host a free workshop on Thursday evening that will provide information and advice from experts on how nutrition can support individuals impacted by cancer, whether they are currently in treatment or in the survivorship stage.

Why it matters

Access to educational resources and a supportive community are crucial for cancer patients and their loved ones. This partnership between Gilda's Club and Mary Free Bed aims to fill that need by offering free quarterly workshops on important topics related to the cancer journey.

The details

The free workshop will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gilda's Club in Grand Rapids. Physiatrists and other experts in the field will be on hand to share their expertise on nutrition and answer questions from attendees. Jousma emphasized that the events are open to anyone impacted by cancer, not just Gilda's Club members.

  • The free workshop is happening on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • Gilda's Club and Mary Free Bed host these free educational events on a quarterly basis.

The players

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids

A community organization that provides free support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer.

Mary Free Bed

A rehabilitation hospital that is partnering with Gilda's Club to host the free cancer workshops.

Lindsay Jousma

The director of program operations and relations at Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.

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What they’re saying

“It'll be a great time to kind of do some questions and answers about, 'What are your questions about nutrition on the cancer journey?' and hear from the experts themselves.”

— Lindsay Jousma, Director of Program Operations & Relations, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids (woodtv.com)

“To have a space where we focus on that emotional, social side of cancer so people can not feel so alone, be navigating this with other people who are diagnosed with cancer and have that sense of community.”

— Lindsay Jousma, Director of Program Operations & Relations, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids (woodtv.com)

What’s next

Gilda's Club and Mary Free Bed will host their next free quarterly cancer workshop in May 2026.

The takeaway

By providing free educational resources and a supportive community, Gilda's Club and Mary Free Bed are helping cancer patients and their loved ones navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the cancer journey.