Did you know that the building with the bright red door located at 537 N. Wells Street in River North is home to Gilda’s Club Chicago, a free cancer support community for all people impacted by cancer including their family and friends, as well as those who have lost someone to cancer? Interesting fact: This magnificent building was generously donated by Ann Lurie, a noted philanthropist. Gilda’s Club Chicago opened on February 14, 1998, and has been in the area for 25 years!
Our innovative program, including more than 180 free virtual activities each month, is an essential
complement to medical care and offers support groups, educational lectures, healthy lifestyle activities,
resource referrals, and social opportunities. Gilda’s Club Chicago’s mission is to ensure that all people
impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.
Gilda’s Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is funded through donations from
individuals, businesses, foundations and special events. They are an affiliate of the Cancer Support
Community, which is a worldwide network of more than 50 Clubs and 100 satellite locations, as well as a
provider of online resources. With Gilda’s Club, no one faces cancer alone.
The benefits of participating at Gilda’s Club can be profound. Ninety-one percent of members found comfort in the community of others who understood their experience. Seventy-seven percent are better able to communicate with friends, family and health care team. And 84% feel more empowered to manage their illness. Programming is now presented virtually, in-person and in a hybrid manner – with both in-person and virtual. The ability to reach those impacted in their homes anywhere across the state via Zoom has opened new doors for Gilda’s Club. Prior to Covid-19, Gilda’s Club Chicago served members living in 58 zip codes, today we serve members in 149 zip codes, and that number continues to grow. In addition to the main clubhouse in River North, there is another clubhouse located at Advocate Christ Medical Center and Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, as well as programming space at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and Mount Sinai Hospital.
There are several ways you can support the mission of Gilda’s Club. If you know someone that has been
impacted by cancer and could use some support, please have them visit our website
https://www.gildasclubchicago.org or call 312-464-9900 for more information. Or if you or your
organization would like to support us with volunteering or donations, please contact Debbie at
DebbieSlowinski@GildasClubChicago.Org for volunteer information or Bradford at
BradfordNewquist@GildasClubChicago.Org for sponsorships, running team info or donations.
