Gilda's Club Kansas City

Community is Stronger than Cancer.®

Our program is always available to anyone with cancer and their loved ones at any stage, from diagnosis through survivorship. It is based on empirical and clinical research, led by professionals, offered both in-person and virtually, and provided at no cost.

Our program offers free support groups various classes on subjects like nutrition, exercise/movement, and mental health, counseling, and resources/referrals. We emphasize the importance of social connections and offer children, teen, and family services.

We invite you to join us! Become a part of our in-person or virtual community. To get started, register for one of our Gilda’s Welcome Meetings which typically are offered twice each month. You can also email us at support@gildasclubkc.org or call 816-531-5444.

Mission

Gilda’s Club Kansas City uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support,

fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.

Vision

Everyone impacted by cancer receives the support they want and need throughout their experience.

You can view our 2023 Form 990 here.

You can view our 2022 Form 990 here.

You can view our 2021 Form 990 here.

You can view our 2020 Form 990 here.

We Support Anyone Impacted By Cancer

All Genders

All Ages

All Identities

Their Families

Their Friends

Their Communities

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT GILDA’S CLUB KANSAS CITY

Gilda’s Club KC is committed to this initiative and will strive to meet the needs of diverse populations’ access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate cancer education, information, programming, and services. GCKC is committed to improving key issues related to healthcare disparities that affect minority communities at both a local level and national level.

GCKC formed a DEI committee to begin addressing key issues and action steps to create a more inclusive space for everyone. The purpose of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee is to advocate for and support diversity within our community through outreach efforts and community engagement so that no one faces cancer alone.

Our History

Gilda Radner

Gilda's Club is named in honor of comedian Gilda Radner who was best known for her work on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. When describing the experience she had at a Los Angeles cancer support center, Gilda dreamed that such places could be made available for people living with cancer and their friends and families everywhere. Gilda died from ovarian cancer in 1989. But today, her spirit lives on in every Gilda's Club.

How It All Started

Founded by Joanna Bull, Gilda's cancer psychotherapist and Gilda's husband, Gene Wilder, along with Joel Siegel and other friends of Gilda Radner, the first Gilda's Club opened its signature red door in New York City in 1995. Since that time, 22 additional clubhouses have opened. Many members attest to the fact that Gilda's Club has helped change their lives by restoring control and enabling them to plan their own emotional and social support, thus strengthening and enriching the entire family.

The Cancer Support Community

In 2009, the headquarter offices of Gilda’s Club and The Wellness Community joined forces to become the largest provider of psychosocial cancer support worldwide and have extended their reach to even more people affected by cancer. The combined organization, called the Cancer Support Community, is the largest employer of psychosocial oncology support professionals, advancing the idea that psychosocial care is as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis.