Gilda's Club
Named in honor of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live comedienne who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989, Gilda’s Club was launched in 1995 in New York City as a place for patients living with all types of cancer to receive equal access to care while also “restoring a sense of control and enriching the entire family” of those coping with the illness.
It has since opened 30 affiliates, known as Gilda’s Club Worldwide, and become one of the most reliable names in cancer support.
Gilda’s Clubhouses all offer the Gilda’s Club Program, a free program that emphasizes community-building, knowledge, and the value of a shared experience while working with those who are experts in their field.
Each clubhouse offers weekly wellness groups for patients suffering from all types of cancer, malignant mesothelioma included, as well as their family members and loved ones. Additional “networking groups” are also held to gather people who are interested in a particular interest or type of cancer. Lectures and workshops are also held to address a variety of topics from pain management to stress reduction, while a number of social activities are also planned for patients and their families on a regular basis as well.
Additionally, more focused sessions that are facilitated by staff members are also held to address more sensitive topics, such as how to accept a cancer diagnosis, how a family to live with a member who has cancer, and a program specially designed for children and teens.
In addition to choosing the proper avenues for treatment and support following a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, those who feel the diagnosis may have been caused by
asbestos exposure at a former employer, or by a product, may wish to pursue legal action. In order to learn the legal rights for you or a loved one, consult an
asbestos attorney who will have the most up-to-date information on the legal processes and know if a
mesothelioma lawsuit is possible.