Frequently Asked Questions
| 1)
Madison
has a lot of not-for-profit organizations,
and it seems like the
community also has a lot of cancer support services. How is Gilda’s Club
different? |
Gilda’s Club is for anyone of any age with any type of
cancer, and for those in their lives who are touched by it: family, friends and
others. The Clubhouse provides a warm, welcoming environment for the
program. Each member can select the parts of the multi-faceted program that will
best meet his/her needs. Gilda's Club is open almost every day and
evening. Gilda's Club offers support groups that focus on different types of
cancer, as well as on special needs, e.g., spouses of people with cancer,
teenagers, etc. It also offers informational lectures, workshops on crafts,
exercise, nutrition, etc. and social, community-building activities such as
potluck dinners and comedy nights.
| 2.) Who is Gilda's Club named
for? |
Gilda's Club is named in memory of comedian Gilda Radner,
who died from ovarian cancer in 1989. Gilda is best known for her work on NBC's
Saturday Night Live. Her book, It's Always Something, describes her life
with cancer.
| 3.) What happens at
Gilda's Club? |
Every day at Gilda’s Club, men, women and children with all
types and stages of cancer, and their families and friends,
engage in a life-enriching program of social and emotional
support.
| 4.) What kinds of
activities take place? |
Gilda’s Club offers a program that consists of support and networking groups,
lectures, workshops, social events, and activities for all ages.
| 5.) Is Gilda's Club
just for women with ovarian cancer? |
No, it is for men and women of all ages, and with all types of cancer, and for
adolescents and children as well as their families and friends.
| 6.) Is Gilda's Club
residential? |
No, but each freestanding clubhouse has a home-like atmosphere where members can
relax and feel comfortable in a non-medical setting.
| 7.) Is there any
charge for membership? |
There is NO CHARGE at Gilda's Club. It is our belief that it is not appropriate
to charge for the exchange of emotional and social support that members freely
give to one another.
| 8.) Is there a
pressure to be "positive" at Gilda's Club? |
Absolutely not. Gilda's Club is based on respect for every person's way of
living with cancer.
| 9.) Where do
volunteers fit into the program? |
Every Gilda's Club employs top-notch professional and support staff. In addition
to these staff, Gilda's Club relies on our cadre of volunteers to deliver many
parts of our program. Please visit our
Volunteer Pagefor more
information about volunteering at Gilda’s Club Madison.
| 10.) Does the
medical community support Gilda's Club? |
The medical community offers great support to Gilda’s
Club and is our largest referral source. In addition, Gilda’s Club
has formed a Medical Resource Council which includes: Ellen Hartenbach, MD;
Lucille, Marchand, MD;
Diane Puccetti, MD; William Rock, MD; Diane Weiner, PhD, LLC; Joel R. Wish, PhD,
LP; Jan Ebert, RN; Amanda DuPreez, MD; Mary Vasquez, MSSW.
| 11.) How is Gilda's
Club funded? |
Individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundations provide enormous direct and
in-kind support for Gilda's Club. In addition, each Gilda's Club holds special
events to raise funds. All funds raised locally are used to benefit the local
population.
| 12.) Is
Gilda's Club
Madison a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation? |
| Yes,
Gilda's Club Madison Wisconsin,
Inc. was formed in June of 2002. All contributions are tax-deductible.
|