Monday, April 18, 2011

Gilda's Club

Once a month, I volunteer at Gilda's Club.  I sit at the front desk and welcome visitors and members, direct them to the room for their event, and answer the phone.   If you haven't heard of Gilda's Club, it's a great organization that I think everyone should be aware of because you will know at least one person who will benefit from their services. 


Gilda's Club is named for Gilda Radner, a pretty famous comedian and actress  best known for being an original member of Saturday Night Live.  Gilda died at the age of 42 from ovarian cancer and in her last years became a huge advocate for early detection and treatment for ovarian cancer.  Her dying wish was to create a place where people with cancer could go to receive support. Through the efforts of Gene Wilder, her second husband, and Gilda's therapist, Joanna Bull, the first Gilda's Club was opened in New York City in 1995. 


There are now clubhouses around the country that provide free support for not only people living with cancer, but their family as well.  Through support groups, art, music, food, lectures, and social events, Gilda's Club provides a community for people who are living with this terrible disease.  Members can come and just hang out, check out books from the library, eat some yummy treats from the kitchen, or participate in the many programs offered each month.  All this for free.   


Gilda's Club Louisville's mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer - men, women, teens and children - along with their families and friends. Our innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.


Go to their website to learn more: http://www.gildasclublouisville.org 

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