We invite you to join Gilda's Club Chicago. We believe that everyone who is touched by a cancer diagnosis can benefit from being part of the Gilda's Club community. No one has to face a cancer diagnosis alone. Our program is designed with something for everyone - men, women, teens and kids, family and friends. Our program calendar varies monthly. Please check our Calendar for this month's events.

To help us plan, we request that you make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Please call 312-464-9900 to make reservations.

If you are bringing your children to Noogieland, please call us at least 48 hours in advance so that we may provide adequate staffing.

How to Become a Member

1. Attend a New Member Meeting to see what we do. Meetings are facilitated by Gilda's Club Chicago staff and include an introduction to the club and our program. Spanish speaking New Member Meetings are also offered.

Please RSVP for a New Member Meeting online or call 312-464-9900.

New Member Meetings are held twice a week. Please refer to the monthly calendar for New Member Meeting dates and times.

2. Create a Customized Membership Plan (CMP) which is a 1:1 discussion with a member of program staff to explore in some more detail the many different kinds of support offered at Gilda's Club Chicago and which parts of the program you would like to be involved with.

Networking Groups
Networking Groups are cancer-specific (e.g. breast, prostate) or situational (e.g. Parenting Through Cancer, Living Beyond Loss, etc.). These groups generally meet once per month and are facilitated by health care professionals. Networking groups allow members to share common issues,  experiences and practical information related to a specific diagnosis. Below are some of the networking groups offered at Gilda's Club Chicago.

Bladder Cancer                                                                                                                     Facilitators: Sandy Hiel, RN and Josephine Silvestre, RN in partnership with Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month

Blood Cancers                                                                                                                                           A Networking group for those impacted by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Facilitators Anne Reaven, MSW and Carol White, RN Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month (This networking group is offered in the mainclubhouse and Rush University Medical Center)

Breast Cancer                                                                                                Facilitators Jennifer D. Baralli, MSN, APN-CNP and Elise Lauderdale, RN                         Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month

Colon and Rectal Cancer                                                                                      Facilitator Ernestine Hambrick, MD                                                                          Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month

For Men Only                                                                                                              A networking group for men who have cancer themselves or are supporting a spouse or partner living with cancer.                                                                                 Facilitators Steve Shields and Joe Valle                                                                   Meets the 1st Tuesday of every month

Latino (Spanish-Speaking)

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer)                                                       A networking group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer people who have cancer themselves or are supporting a partner living with cancer                                     Facilitators Mark Petroelje, M.A. in partnership with Live Oak Chicago                                                                                                               Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month

Living Beyond Loss                                                                                                Losing a loved one impacts all aspects of life. Here we talk about the loss and learn tools to adjust to our lives after the death of a loved one.                                              Facilitators Steve Shields and Diane Drever                                                               Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month

Women of Color ( Rush University Medical Center)

Parenting Through Cancer (available in English and Spanish)

Polish Networking Group (Rush University Medical Center, Stroger Hospital, and in the community)                                                                                                               A Networking group for Polish Speaking people who have cancer themselves or are supporting a spouse, partner or loved one who is living with cancer.                         Facilitator Gosha Thornton, A.M. SW                                                                          Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month

Prostate Cancer                                                                                             Facilitators Phil and Cassandra Hoffer in partnership with US TOO                               Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month

Throat Cancer (Rush University Medical Center)

Thyroid Cancer                                                                                                     Facilitator Jennifer D. Baralli, MSN, APN-CNP                                                                     Meets the 1st Thursday of every month

Young Women with Breast Cancer                                                                         Facilitated by The Young Survival Coalition                                                                 Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month

More networking groups are offered through our Hospital Sites. Please refer to monthly calendars for the most up-to-date listing of networking groups.

You must be a Gilda's Club Chicago member and have been placed in a group to attend. Please contact our Adult Program Manager at 312-464-9900 to group placement and questions.

• Wellness Groups 
  Groups are for men and women diagnosed with cancer. People living with all types and stages of cancer share experiences to help each other develop skills to live more fully with their illness.
• Family Groups For family members and friends who are supporting a person with cancer. Members focus on their feelings and share experiences as spouses, adult children and caregivers.
• Team Convene/Family Focus 
  At your request, we will arrange a group meeting for you and your family and friends. Each group is focused on providing practical support as well as an opportunity to talk through any difficult situations.
• Bereavement Groups 
  Weekly support groups for family members and friends of people who have died of cancer.
  
  For additional information on any of these support groups please contact our Adult Program Manager

Please refer to our Calendar for specific dates and times.

Mind-Body Workhops

Yoga
Experience tranquility and flexibility as you breathe and stretch your body and mind. We offer a variety of yoga programs including gentle, more restorative yoga for those who have recently had surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Restorative Yoga
A relaxing Yoga class using props and chairs as needed to refresh mind and body.

Tai Chi
An ancient Chinese exercise that combines physical exercise and meditation.

A Gift of Relaxation
Join us as we come together for relaxation, friendship and support. Learn to use imagery, meditation and other mind-body techniques to help gain control over anxiety, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and diminish pain and nausea.

Activities

Cooking Demos
Join us for group cooking demos in our state-of-the-art kitchen featuring top Chicago chefs, fellow members and volunteers. Sample good food and enjoy great conversation.

Healing Arts
An exciting program instructed and facilitated by Jordi Pedrola. Mr. Pedrola is a fine artist from Spain who has used different artistic media in helping individuals develop their artistic expression. No prior artistic skills required, just the desire to express yourself.

Knitting
Explore the wonderful world of handcrafted fibers as you learn the art of crocheting and knitting. Results guaranteed in the first class!

Lill Street Clay Project
Create a work of art in clay! Ceramic artists from the Lill Street Gallery will assist you in expressing your thoughts and feelings through this wonderfully tactile media. Glazed and fired pieces can be picked up the following month. All ages welcome. 

Look Good, Feel Better
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this workshop helps people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation gain self-esteem and confidence. Sessions include skin care and makeup advice as well as an opportunity to try wigs and work with scarves.

Scrapbooking
Scrapbooks serve to tell stories for future generations to embrace. Learn new techniques to help cherish your memories through scrapbook making. Bring your favorite photos, cards and quotes. All scrapbooking materials are provided.

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Join other members for fun, laughter and conversation. Social events are widely popular nights of fellowship filled with live music, delicious treats and the chance to connect with other members. Feel free to bring family and friends so they can experience the club in a fun, low-pressure social setting.Please refer to our Calendar for specific dates and times.

Noogieland

A program for children, teens and families touched by cancer. 

Teen Summer Camp
A week-long day camp filled with fun and activities at the Club and in the community. 

 Teen Talk is a support group for teens living with cancer diagnosis and teens who have a loved one or firend with a cancer diagnosis

 Teen Essay Contest this contest provides an opportunity for teens in grades 9-12 to share their experiences living with cancer or living with a family member or friend with cancer

Noogieland is a special place for children of all ages. All activities are facilitated by volunteers and licensed professionals in a special environment. For additional information contact Jamie Mazer Wiener.

Teens

Gilda's Club Chicago provides a warm and supportive environment for teens to socialize and discuss the impact of cancer on their lives. Support Groups, Lectures, and workshops activities are geared to address teen-specific issues. For additional information contact the Noogieland Coordinator Jamie Mazer Wiener

Kid Support
Support group for children with cancer and children with cancer in the family.  Children participate in activities and deal with feelings surrounding their experience with cancer.  Topics include:  Cancer and side effects, Treatment, School Issues, Developing Communication, Changes in the Family, and Death and Dying.  Group is appropriate for Ages 4 -11.

Kids Bereavement
Support group for children who have lost a family member or friend to cancer.  Groups provide an understanding of death and loss.  This is an opportunity for children to share feelings and learn new methods to cope with life and family changes.

Cancer in the Classroom and School Reentry
Cancer in the Classroom is a school based cancer education and support program for children and adolescents with cancer or cancer in the family.

Gilda's Club Chicago provides:  In-services for schools and staff, Family/teacher conferences, Classroom visits, School based support groups, Annual "Cancer in the Classroom" seminar at the Gilda's Club for School and Health Professionals.

Kids Camp
Our kids' camp is filled with a variety of activities that includes crafts, magicians and special guest visits from outside organizations.

NoogieFest
Every October Gilda's Club Chicago is transformed for an evening of fun and entertainment, and safe trick-or-treating with family and friends.

A Very Noogie Holiday Party                                                                                                                                              The holiday season is an exciting time for noogies at Gilda's Club Chicago. Santa comes to visit bearing gift bags and taking pictures, there are games, crafts, snacks and live performances. Every December Santa visits Gilda's Club Chicago for an evening of arts and crafts, pictures and other fun activites.                                                                                                  

 

Gilda's Club Chicago
537 North Wells Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654

Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday 9am to 8pm
Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Closed Sundays and Holidays