Founded in laughter, thriving in joy
Founded in 2005 by six Louisville cancer survivors, Gilda’s Club Louisville opened its red doors 15 years ago, becoming the first cancer support community of its kind in the area with the unique mission of ensuring those affected by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.
“Living with cancer is not a choice, how you live with it is.” At Gilda’s Club, we strive to be the support you and your loved ones need to get through a cancer diagnosis. We offer a supportive community and a variety of programming to assist you, your loved ones or any members of your circle who are struggling. We believe life is meant to be lived even when cancer is a part of it.
Now Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, with locations on Grinstead Drive and 17th and W. Broadway, GCK is the largest cancer support community in the world.
For more information on how we can help and how you can help others, click here.
Our Mission
History
Beloved Comedian, Immortalized Legend
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is named in memory of Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner. When diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, Gilda found support with Psychotherapist Joanna Bull who believed in a correlation between emotional and physical well-being. Understanding how important the experience was to her treatment, it was Gilda’s dream to develop communities where no one would ever have to face cancer alone.
Gilda died from her cancer in 1989. In 1995, her husband, actor Gene Wilder, and Bull, along with family and friends, founded the first Gilda’s Club in New York City.
Gilda’s legacy and whimsy live on through the many Gilda’s Clubs around the nation, where members join with others to give and receive the benefits of love and laughter.
You’ll see photos of Gilda throughout our website. Courtesy of Edie Baskins, Gene Spatz and NBC/NBCU Photo Bank.
Staff
Karen MorrisonPresident/CEO
502.371.3054
Ashley ArnettMarketing Specialist
ashley@gck.org
502.371.3045
Christine LongExecutive Administrator
502.371.3039
Devon WasserFamily Program Manager
devon@gck.org
502.371.3043
Diane RihnIT Director
502.371.3034
EllieComfort Dog In-Training
Halen GiffordPhilanthropy Manager
502.371.3050
Jennifer WebbDirector of Volunteer Engagement
jennifer@gck.org
502.371.3036
JessiComfort Dog
Jonathon RaleyDirector of Philanthropy
502.371.3061
Keisha Combs, CSWProgram Manager
502.371.3042
Leah V. Walton, LCSWProgram and Impact Officer
502.371.3032
Lori MangumChief Operating Officer
502.371.3055
Maria Martha SanchezCertified Healthcare Interpreter™- Spanish
Hispanic Program and Outreach Specialist
martha@gck.org
502.371.3064
Mona SchramkoProcess and Data Manager
mona@gck.org
502.371.3056
Paige Walker, LCSWClinical Program Director
paige@gck.org
502.371.3038
Suzanne GoldringMarketing & Communications Director
502.371.3057
Sylvia Rhodes, Minister, BSSW, CCHWDirector of Gilda’s West and Health Equity
sylvia@gck.org
502.371.3037
Tina LeeCommunity Engagement Specialist
502.371.3046
Tonya CookChief Philanthropy Officer
502.371.3052
Tracie NashOperations Manager
502.371.3041
Board
Professional Advisory Board
Clubhouses