Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What is Gilda’s Club Minnesota?

Gilda’s Club Minnesota is a warm and welcoming place where everyone—men, women, young adults, teens and kids, those currently impacted by any form of cancer and those who care for (and about) them—can receive social, emotional and psychological support. Our non-residential clubhouse is a healing environment where people can connect with one another and learn new ways to live with cancer, guided by licensed professionals and certified volunteers.

Who is Gilda?

Comedian Gilda Radner was a member of the original cast of Saturday Night Live. After Gilda died in 1989 of ovarian cancer, her family and friends (including her husband, actor Gene Wilder and her therapist, Joanna Bull) opened the first Gilda’s Club in her honor in New York City.

Why a “clubhouse”?

In her book, It’s Always Something, Gilda Radner quipped, “Cancer gave me membership in an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” Gilda’s friends and family took that notion and spun it into “Gilda’s Club,” a place where “being a member” means connection and healing.

Where is Gilda’s Club Minnesota located?

Our clubhouse is on the north side of Interstate 394, just west of US Hwy 169, and only 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Our address is 10560 Wayzata Blvd. Minneapolis, MN, 55305.

Who can be a member?

If you’ve been impacted by cancer in any way, you can be a member of Gilda’s Club: adults of all ages, teens, and kids, and those currently impacted by any type of cancer as well as those who care for, and about, them.

How do I become a member?

The first step is to sign up for and attend a New Member Meeting, where you’ll hear about the five cornerstones of our program of support and receive a tour of our clubhouse.

What does it cost?

Our program is absolutely free, because the last thing someone impacted by cancer needs is another expense. We are completely supported by contributions from our community.

Do I have to come to a New Member Meeting to be a member?

Yes, the first step to becoming a member is to sign up for and attend a New Member Meeting, where you’ll hear about the five cornerstones of our program of support and receive a tour of our clubhouse.

When did Gilda’s Club open?

Gilda’s Club Minnesota opened in 2014, completely funded by the local community (as we are, to this day). The first Gilda’s Club opened in 1995 in New York City.

How is Gilda’s Club Minnesota funded?

We are entirely funded by contributions from the local community. We receive no general funding from our parent organization, the Cancer Support Community. All programming is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, as well as corporate and foundation support. Join this generous community by making a donation today!

Can I get a tourof the Clubhouse?

You sure can! Contact us at Info@GildasClubMN.org or 612-227-2147 to set up a visit to our warm and welcoming clubhouse.

Can I “try out” a support group or other activity?

After you attend a New Member Meeting, you’re welcome to explore our wide variety of programs, including educational sessions, nutrition classes, yoga and more. (NOTE: Support groups are closed groups that do not allow drop-in attendance. To attend, you must first complete a Customized Membership Plan.)

I have a friend or family member who wants to try out Gilda’s Club. Can they attend without going to a New Member Meeting?

Of course! Guests are welcome to attend Gilda’s Club activities without going to a New Member Meeting. However, they do need to sign up in advance and fill out a Participant Form. If they want to continue being involved, they should attend a New Member Meeting. (NOTE: Guests cannot attend support groups.)

What is a CMP?

The Customized Membership Plan (CMP) is a wonderful opportunity to connect one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional, explore which parts of our program are ideal for you and learn about additional resources. A CMP is required before attending any support groups.

How do I sign up for classes?

Members (and guests) may sign up for classes here. Guests should also complete an Annual Participation Form when they visit the clubhouse for the first time.

Can kids participate in programs at Gilda’s Club?

Heck yeah! We have programs and activities for younger members, from toddlers to teens to young adults. (NOTE: Support groups are for adults 18 and over.)

What is NoogieLand?

Noogieland (named for the playful “noogies” featured on the original Saturday Night Live) is a special space – and program – at the clubhouse for children ages 3 to 11 who have cancer in their families.

Do I really need to sign up for programs in advance, or can I just show up?

Yes. You must always sign up in advance to ensure yourself a spot. To register for a class, call us at 612-227-2147, stop by the clubhouse or visit our online registration site. Please also call to cancel any time you are unable to attend, as we often have wait lists.

What is the Cancer Support Community?

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is our parent organization, an international nonprofit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people impacted by cancer. CSC focuses on three key areas: direct service delivery, research and advocacy. As a member of CSC, Gilda’s Club Minnesota is part of a network of 50+ affiliates, but receives no general funding from CSC.

What is Gilda’s Club Minnesota’s relationship to other cancer support organizations in the Twin Cities?

As an active member the Minnesota Cancer Alliance and the Cancer Community Leadership Collaborative, we are committed to strengthening our local cancer support community. We partner frequently with other cancer support organizations and refer our members to them for services not provided by Gilda’s Club.