History of Gilda’s Club Louisville:

Gilda Radner once said, “Having cancer gave me membership in an elite club I would rather not belong to.” While many people can relate to this statement – whether they have been diagnosed with cancer or have someone close to them who has – there is now such a club in our community of which they can be happy to be a part.

In 2004, after eight months of extensive research in Louisville to ensure there was no similar local organization, a dream began to take shape -- a vision of a place for families and individuals touched by cancer to come learn, share, and laugh. The personal cancer experiences of several community leaders who supported each other during and after their own cancer journeys led them to ask, “What do other people do?” The answer they found: Gilda’s Club, a national organization with more than 20 affiliates operating in North America.

What followed was a three year labor of love for Gilda’s Club Louisville’s Founding Board. With the faith of National City Bank, the vision of Henry Potter and Associates, and the generosity of community, the Gilda’s Club Louisville clubhouse became a reality, as did the Gilda’s Club program housed within it.  The red doors opened to the public in August, 2007. 

The consistent response about the need for Gilda’s Club Louisville has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. Support from every local hospital, oncology groups, the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, the Kentucky Cancer Program, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Kentucky Cancer Institute, the University of Louisville, and others has been strong and unwavering. There is clearly a gap in local cancer services that is now being filled by what Gilda’s Club Louisville has to offer.

We hope that you will visit us and join our growing Gilda’s Club Louisville community!

< BACK