The Story Behind Gilda’s Club

Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is named in memory of Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner. When diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, Gilda found support with Psychotherapist Joanna Bull who believed in a correlation between emotional and physical well-being. Understanding how important the experience was to her treatment, it was Gilda’s dream to develop communities where no one would ever have to face cancer alone. Gilda died from her cancer in 1989. In 1995, her husband, actor Gene Wilder, and Bull, along with family and friends, founded the first Gilda’s Club in New York City.

Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is part of the international Cancer Support Community network of over 200 service sites, including local affiliates, hospital and clinic partnerships, satellite locations and a toll-free helpline, where participants join with others to give and receive the benefits of love and laughter.

The Mission of Gilda’s Club

The mission of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana and our Cancer Support Community partners is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care.

Free Cancer Support Programs & Resources for the Entire Family

At Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, we know that living with cancer isn’t a choice, but HOW you live with it is! With nearly 200 free, fun and engaging programs each month, we offer plenty of chances for you to truly LIVE WELL with cancer. No matter where you are in your cancer journey – in treatment, post-treatment, or even bereaved, you don’t have to give up on the things you love—whether that’s dancing, art, music, cooking, or just enjoying time with people who get you and where you are in life. You’re still you. Along with support groups and individual and family counseling, Gilda’s Club is full of opportunities to embrace life and enjoy it. Join us!