The mission of the Cancer Support Community is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

The Cancer Support Community is leading the way in empowering people affected by cancer. By addressing their individual needs, linking them to a community of support, and helping them to live better lives, we are advancing the central idea of the Institute of Medicine report "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient": that social and emotional support are as important as medical care in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

In 1982, The Wellness Community was founded by Dr. Harold Benjamin in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Benjamin created a program of psychosocial support that was widely recognized as a leader in the field. Benjamin's colleague, Joanna Bull, encouraged her client, comedian Gilda Radner, to attend The Wellness Community in Santa Monica while Gilda was living with ovarian cancer. In her book, "It's Always Something", Gilda shared extensively about her experiences at The Wellness Community.

Gilda and her husband, Gene Wilder commuted between the east and west coasts, and she often lamented there was nothing like The Wellness Community in the east. After her death, Wilder and his friends Joel Siegel and Mandy Patinkin set out to fulfill Gilda's wish that "no one should face cancer alone." In 1991 they reached out to Joanna Bull, who came to New York City and created the Gilda's Club program and opened the first Clubhouse in New York City.

During our combined 45-year history, Gilda's Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community have made a positive difference for people affected by cancer. Both organizations have established solid reputations in the cancer community and share an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity. Gilda's Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community shared a vision where all people affected by cancer have access to the highest quality psychosocial care. Most importantly, it is a vision which recognizes that family and friends are also affected when there is a cancer diagnosis. As a united organization, our vision remains the same – to offer support to all people with all types of cancer, as well as their families and friends, so that no one has to face cancer alone.