Gilda's Club Kansas City

Educational classes and workshops: these are the backbone of the organization's evidence-based model. These include the "frankly speaking about cancer" series, which focuses on specific cancer diagnoses as well as other topics such as talking to children about cancer and managing the cost of care. Healthy lifestyle classes include nutrition, gentle exercise, stress-reduction, expressive art and others. Some classes are offered in spanish. All materials and supplies are provided and sessions are free of charge to participants. Each class/workshop is overseen by a licensed mental health professional, as therapeutic opportunities occur. The executive and program directors provide outreach and educational presentations to community groups.

Social activities and events: in the spirit of the organization's namesake, gilda radner, gckc was established as a community of support. Social activities provide families with an opportunity to connect to others and realize that cancer does not define one's self. Social activities include comedy nights, game nights, a night of remembrance and more. Licensed mental health professionals are present as therapeutic opportunities occur. The organization opens its clubhouse for community use, open house events, and for other cancer support organizations' use.

Counseling and support groups: the organization offers professionally facilitated short-term counseling and support groups for anyone with any type of cancer from any health system. Groups include living with cancer, caregivers, living with loss, young adults, and more. There is also a group conducted in spanish. Counseling and specialized programs for treatment decisions and distress screening are also offered. Kid support and families connect include a structured curriculum for children ages 4 to 14 who have a family member with cancer. Program specialists provide resource referral, especially to the uninsured and underinsured.