What is Gilda’s Club?
Gilda’s Club is a free nonprofit emotional and social support community for people living with cancer, and their families and friends. It is named in memory of Gilda Radner, best known for her work on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 1989.
What happens at Gilda’s Club?
Men, women, children, friends and family affected by cancer attend activities to learn how to live with cancer whatever the outcome.
What kind of activities take place?
Support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events – all adding up to a “support community.” Please see Our Programs page for more information.
Is Gilda’s Club residential?
No, but it has a home-like atmosphere. Gilda’s Club Quad Cities is now serving both sides of the river. Our Illinois Clubhouse is located in Trinity Moline Hospital (600 John Deere Road, Suite 101 Moline, IL 61265) and our Iowa Clubhouse is located at Genesis West Hospital (1351 West Central Park Ave, Suite 200, Davenport, IA 52804).
Is there any charge for membership or to participate in your program?
No, everything is absolutely free of charge for anyone attending Gilda’s Club activities at any of our locations.
Who founded Gilda’s Club?
Gilda’s Club was founded in memory of Gilda Radner by her husband, Gene Wilder, her psychotherapist, Joanna Bull, and her friends. Please visit our History page for more information.
Is Gilda’s Club just for women with ovarian cancer?
No, Gilda’s Club is for men, women and children with all types of cancer as well as their family members and friends.
How can you join Gilda’s Club? Do you have to be referred by a medical facility?
While a referral can be made by a physician or healthcare professional, self referral or contact by family and friends is encouraged. Please visit the Become a Member section of this website for more information.
Is there a pressure to be “positive?”
Absolutely not. One of our core values is that Gilda’s Club is respectful and welcoming to all people touched by cancer with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Members are invited to “come as you are” in an environment that welcomes humor, honors learning and encourages meaningful connections with others. Members at Gilda’s Club “get it,” drawing upon one another for inspiration and resources, empowering them to learn to live with cancer, whatever the outcome.
How is Gilda’s Club funded?
Private individuals, corporations, and foundations have provided enormous direct and in-kind support of Gilda’s Club.
Where is Gilda’s Club Quad Cities located?
Gilda’s Club Quad Cities is excited to serve both sides of the river. Our new Illinois Clubhouse is located in Trinity Moline Hospital (600 John Deere Road, Suite 101 Moline, IL 61265) and later in 2021, our Iowa Clubhouse is located at Genesis West Hospital (1351 West Central Park Ave, Suite 200, Davenport, IA 52804).
Is Gilda’s Club supported by the medical community?
Gilda’s Club is supported by a distinguished Professional Advisory Board comprised of health professionals from area hospitals and clinics.
Where are other Gilda’s Clubs?
In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community (CSC).
To find a Cancer Support Community Affiliate in your area, visit http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support/Find-a-Local-Program.