As we continue to navigate this uncertain time together, we want to offer you a little extra support. Starting Wednesday, September 2nd, at 5pm ET, the LRG will have its own weekly support group for people living with GIST facilitated by social workers Chelsea Madia and Angela Edson. In an effort to continue social distancing, we will use an electronic platform, to come together for eight (8) consecutive weeks as a small group of 10 participants.
We will talk about all of the feelings you might be experiencing, both in relation to GIST, and also COVID-19. We will share our GISTories, if you are comfortable, and speak freely about the new fears and anxieties we might be feeling as a result of this unprecedented time. The group will be a safe space not only to feel supported by your fellow GIST survivors but also a place to share our own coping mechanisms to get us through this stressful time. All information shared will be kept confidential.
About the Group Leaders:
Chelsea Madia, LCSW
Chelsea is a licensed clinical social worker in New York, who started in the field in 2011 counseling at-risk teens at the Child Center of New York in Jamaica, Queens. After this, her work took her to the Coalition for the Homeless in lower Manhattan, where she supported mentally ill homeless adults in their quest to move into supportive housing, as well as apply for disability benefits. From there, she worked for nine months on the Psychiatric Mobile Crisis Team at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, before being promoted to Program Manager. In November of 2018, after three years managing the team, Chelsea was diagnosed with metastatic GIST. Since that time, she has been stable on Gleevec, and now is in the early phases of starting her own private counseling practice in New Rochelle, NY.
Angela Edson, LSW
Angela is a licensed social worker in New Jersey. She has been an employee at the Life Raft Group for close to five years. During her graduate studies, she interned at a local hospital’s outpatient cancer center providing support to patients and caregivers. Additionally, Angela has experience as a caregiver to loved ones with a cancer diagnosis. She understands the challenges that come along with this role and is excited to co-facilitate this support group.
