Gilda's Club Quad Cities has temporarily closed its doors because a frozen pipe has left the clubhouse and offices with no water.
The Davenport nonprofit, which offers support for people living with cancer and their families, has been without water for two weeks now. Staff members are even using buckets of melted snow to flush the toilets.
Gilda's Club QC CEO Claudia Robinson said they've had to cancel all programs because bathroom access can be so important to people in various stages of cancer treatment.
"It's a pretty busy spot at Gilda's Club, and when you have 20 or 30 people, it wouldn't matter how much snow we were able to melt. We couldn't keep up with it," said Robinson.
Robinson said having to cancel support groups and meetings has been heartbreaking.
"When you have a cancer diagnosis, it's really difficult to reach out the first time and say, 'I need help.' And then in this case, they do, and we have to say, 'Can you wait another week? Can you wait a couple more days?'" said Robinson. "What a terrible thing that is to do."
Several Quad City organizations have stepped forward to help, though, until the problem is fixed. Calvary Lutheran Church in Moline has opened it's doors to Gilda's Club, and will host most programs until water returns. Indigo Wellness in Moline will also host the club's yoga classes.
Tuesday, Randy Gullion returned to support group, thankful Gilda's had found a temporary location for meetings.
"They're very important. They're people that have endured what I went through, and if I can help someone, that's what I wanted to do when I was diagnosed with cancer. I'm hoping that I'm doing that," said Gullion.
Gilda's programs will remain at Calvary Lutheran for an indefinite time, as Robinson says the only way to fix the water is to wait for the ground to thaw.
"It's all dependent upon what the weather brings us," said Robinson.
Wellness, Family, Alumni and Noogie Night groups will meet at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 2900 Avenue of the Cities at their regularly scheduled times. Yoga will be offered on Monday and Thursdays at 2:00 at Indigo Wellness Studio, located at 1621 5th Avenue.
Those with questions are invited to call the office at 563-326-7504.