Who We Are

Free social and emotional support for everyone currently impacted by cancer 

No one should face cancer alone. These simple words sum up the Gilda’s Club Minnesota’s philosophy. We provide the emotional and social support that is proven to improve overall health outcomes. Our clubhouse is a healing environment where individuals learn from one another, while receiving guidance from licensed mental health professionals.

Inside the red doors, Gilda’s Club Minnesota is a welcoming community, a place to go for free support for everyone living with any type of cancer – adults, teens, and children — along with their families, friends and caregivers. As an affiliate of the worldwide Cancer Support Community, our program comes with more than 30 years of expertise behind it, a one-of-a-kind, evidence-based program of social and emotional support.

The Gilda’s Club philosophy is built upon three core principles:

  • Our program is free to everyone, all the time.
  • Our clubhouse is home-like, warm and welcoming.
  • At Gilda’s Club, people learn to live fully with cancer, whatever the outcome.

Come experience for yourself the Gilda’s Club community. All are welcome.

Gilda Radner’s Legacy

Following her own cancer diagnosis, former Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner quipped, “Cancer gave me membership in an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” 

Today that club is Gilda’s Club. From the very first Gilda’s Club in New York City founded in 1995, to today’s network of more than 40 independent and locally-funded affiliates, Gilda’s Club is where membership means connecting with people who truly understand. Gilda’s Club Minnesota is proud to be part of the worldwide Cancer Support Community (CSC).

Built by our community, for our community

Why isn’t there a Gilda’s Club serving Minnesota? That’s the question three local residents — Jenni Lilledahl, Carrie Puterbaugh and Dolly Lowery — began asking in the early 2000s. That question created the momentum that led to Gilda’s Club Minnesota opening our red doors in 2014.

Our generous community raised $3.8 million to open our clubhouse — and then donated everything from furniture to light fixtures — to help ensure that the 29,000+ Minnesotans affected by cancer each year would have a warm, welcoming place where they never have to face cancer alone.

Construction kickoff for Gilda's Club Minnesota

In the years since, there’s been impressive (and rapid!) growth in the number of programs we offer and the number of lives we touch for two reasons — because the need for the support we offer is real — and growing. 

Our offerings…

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Gilda’s Club depends on the support of people like you. An independent and locally funded nonprofit, all our services are delivered free of charge—because the last thing someone dealing with cancer needs is another expense.

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