Alena, Age 9
CTF Member
Alena is 9 years old and currently in fourth grade. She loves spending time with her friends, reading Harry Potter, and creating art. Alena joined the Children, Teens and Families (CTF) Program at Gilda’s Club Westchester after her grandfather died from cancer in 2021.
Learn more about Alena’s interests, aspirations, and how GCW has impacted her below!
What is the best thing that ever happened to you?
Getting my fat hamster Nibbles!
What are 4 things your friends would say that you are really good at?
My friends would say I am really good at reading, art, I have a lot of knowledge animals, and I am good at taking care of my pets
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be? Why?
I would be my dog Denali because I want to see what it is like to be a dog.
How would you describe a perfect day?
A perfect day for me would be no school and I would have a big breakfast (pancakes and bacon) with the whole family. Then we would go somewhere fun like to Dave and Busters or a waterpark.
What would you like to be when you grow up?
A vet and a singer. I like music because it helps me through a lot. And I want to be a vet because we have an amazing vet and she was really helpful when we had to put my dog and cat down. She made sure I was okay and helped me feel less scared. She also takes care of my pets now.
Tell us what you like most about Gilda’s Club.
Gilda’s Club helped me a lot because I usually don’t like talking about my feelings, but here it just feels right. I tried talking to other counselors before and it didn’t really work. I feel comfortable sharing with my counselor and other kids at Gilda’s Club. Also, you are never too old to go to Gilda’s, so even when you are older you can come back and talk to someone or even volunteer!