An update from Lannia Stenz, Executive Director/CEO
For nearly two decades, Gilda’s Club Madison has been a place of comfort, connection, and hope for people facing cancer and the people who love them. Our clubhouse in Middleton has welcomed thousands of children, adults, caregivers, and families who have needed a place where they could show up exactly as they are and know they are not alone.
Like so many organizations, we had to adapt in 2020 when the pandemic made it impossible to gather in person. What followed surprised us in the best way. Over the years since, more and more people began joining us through virtual programs and finding meaningful support with our community. Today, members participate from 36 counties across Wisconsin!
As we look ahead to 2026, we want to share an important update that reflects the work we are already doing. In February 2026, Gilda’s Club Madison will become Gilda’s Club Wisconsin.
This change simply puts words to what has already been true.
Our reach has grown far beyond Madison. Because there is no other organization like us in Wisconsin, individuals and families from every corner of the state turn to Gilda’s Club for emotional support, counseling, education, and community. Some join virtual support groups. Others attend programs offered in partnership with the medical community. Many travel long distances to walk through the red doors of our Middleton clubhouse because they are seeking understanding during one of the hardest seasons of their lives.
Our new name honors that truth.
What is not changing is just as important. The Middleton clubhouse will remain our home, and our mission stays the same. We will continue to offer free emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer, at no cost and regardless of where they live in Wisconsin.
What this change does reflect is our commitment to meeting people where they are.
Cancer does not stop at city limits, and support should not either. By becoming Gilda’s Club Wisconsin, we are acknowledging the many individuals and families who rely on us statewide. We are also creating space to strengthen partnerships, reach more communities, and reduce barriers for those who cannot easily access in-person support close to home.
For our members, this means continued access to the programs you know and trust, along with new opportunities for connection through virtual and community-based offerings. For donors and volunteers, it means your generosity and time are supporting families across the state while still sustaining the clubhouse that started it all. For healthcare and community partners, it offers a clearer picture of the scope of our work and the people we serve.
Most importantly, it means that no one in Wisconsin has to face cancer alone.
This moment is possible because of you. Because of the members who walk through our doors and log in from home. Because of the volunteers who give their time and care so freely. Because of the donors who believe emotional support is an essential part of cancer care. Because of the staff who show up every day with compassion and purpose.
Together, you built a community that grew one relationship at a time.
As we move into 2026, we do so with deep gratitude and optimism. We are proud of where we began, inspired by how far we have come, and committed to continuing this work together.
One mission. One community. Now statewide.
Thank you for being part of Gilda’s Club, today and always.
I am truly glad you are keeping the “Gilda’s Club” part of the name as you add “Wisconsin.” Best wishes, always. I’ll try to be on the virtual call, & am hopeful to be there in person next week when the daytime “launch” is made.
Thank you, Helen! The day you reached out from Milwaukee to see if you would be welcome in Madison after your clubhouse closed was also a step in this direction. Thank you for being a cheerleader of our mission over the years.
As founder of the first Gilda’s Club with Gene Wilder ( I supported Gilda until her death, as she recounts in her wonderful memoir “it’s Always Something” – look for 10th year edition), I am gratified beyond expression to see how Gilda’s Club Wisconsin is keeping up with world and tech and human need for connection demands! I like to think I saw this coming (ok, I did say so!) and am so happy to see this evidence of growth, adaptation, endless generosity, significant outreach.
I’m still consulting with Cancer Support Community, our international outreach declaration and representation, and proud to do so. Each time I visited Madison in the past, I was a happy dummy! Thanks for your eloquent, so well put together, so expertly written notice. AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Thank you so much, Joanna. Your words truly mean more than I can say.
It is a deep honor for all of us at Gilda’s Club Wisconsin to carry forward the vision you, Gene, and Gilda created. Knowing how intentionally and lovingly this community was built from the very beginning guides our work every day as we grow, adapt, and reach people across the state in new ways.
I am especially grateful for your continued work with Cancer Support Community and for the example you have set for all of us who are so fortunate to build on that foundation. We are proud to carry that torch forward.