Heather Hall, Neighbor

Heather Hall joined Gilda’s Club in January 2009 as the executive director. In this position, she directs daily activities of the nonprofit, including fundraising, business operations, marketing, programming, and corporate relations.

Heather first became involved with Gilda’s Club in 1998 when she became a member after finishing treatment for osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Shortly after, she was hired as the public relations/program coordinator for the organization.

When she left her position at Gilda’s Club in 2000 to pursue other career opportunities, Heather remained an active volunteer and member. A year after her own cancer diagnosis, Heather’s dad began a 6-year battle with multiple myeloma. After his death in 2004, her family joined Gilda’s Club and continue to participate in support groups, Kids Club, social events and more.

“In many ways I feel like I’ve come full circle,” said Heather. “Even when I left to pursue other career opportunities, I knew deep down that I would be back at Gilda’s Club someday. The organization is a wonderful support for people touched by cancer, and I have never believed in the mission of an organization as much as I do the mission of Gilda’s Club.”

“The members, volunteers and staff at Gilda’s Club offer so much strength, inspiration, laughter and hope to others. It is truly an extraordinary place and I’m thrilled to once again be a part of it.”

Prior to joining Gilda’s Club, Heather served as the director of marketing and public affairs for the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Chapter. She has also worked as the public relations manager at Cranbrook Institute of Science, and as the marketing manager at Cornerstone Community Financial credit union. Heather also served as executive director of Friends of Camp Mâk-A-Dream, Michigan Chapter, where she managed fundraising, public relations, camper recruitment and business operations for the camp for children and young adults with cancer.

Heather earned a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism from Central Michigan University and a master’s of arts degree in public relations and organizational communication from Wayne State University. She has spoken at cancer advocacy events around the country, presented at young adult survivor workshops and mentored newly diagnosed cancer patients. She has also written articles for magazines such as Coping with Cancer and Dressage Today.

Heather currently resides in Royal Oak. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, yoga, biking, reading, volunteering at a horse rescue organization and much more.