Episode Details

Episode 237 of the Grow Clinton Podcast shines a spotlight on Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club and the vital, no-cost support they provide to people impacted by cancer in our region.

Who Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois Serves

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club provides free emotional, social, and educational support to anyone impacted by cancer, including patients, survivors, family members, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one. Their mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by fostering compassionate community and breaking down barriers to care.

All programs are offered at no cost, ensuring that financial challenges never stand between a family and the support they need. Each year, the organization serves hundreds of individuals across Iowa and Northwest Illinois, including rural communities where access to psychosocial support can be limited.

Programs and Services

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club offers a robust menu of programming designed to address the physical, psychological, and emotional challenges of cancer. Key services include:

• Support groups for adults, children, teens, caregivers, and those who are bereaved.
• Educational workshops that help participants understand treatment options, side effects, survivorship, and caregiving resources.
• Healthy lifestyle activities such as yoga, art, and other wellness programs that promote coping skills and resilience.
• Social events that build community and reduce isolation throughout every stage of the cancer journey.
• Resources and referrals connecting participants with clinical, financial, and community-based support.

Research shows that access to these types of support services is linked to shorter hospital stays, reduced prescription dependence, reduced work absenteeism, and lower insurance claims, underscoring the real-world impact of their work on families and the broader economy.

Locations, Reach, and Contact Information

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is based in Davenport and extends support across the region, including into the Clinton area. Many programs are available in person and virtually, making it easier for individuals throughout Iowa and Northwest Illinois to participate.

Their team also coordinates monthly cancer support groups and outreach in communities like Clinton through local partners, including churches, hospitals, and community centers.

General Contact Information
https://www.csciowaillinois.org
(563) 326-7504
joy@csciowaillinois.org or kelsey@csciowaillinois.org
1351 W Central Park Ave, Suite 200, Davenport, IA 52804

How to Donate

Because every program is offered at no cost to participants, financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and community partners are critical to sustaining this work. Donors help ensure that support groups, workshops, and outreach in communities like Clinton remain accessible to anyone who needs them, regardless of their ability to pay.

Ways to Support

• Make an online gift through their website’s donation portal at https://www.csciowaillinois.org
• Sponsor programs or events as a business or organization, aligning your brand with a mission-driven regional partner.
• Include Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club in memorials or planned giving to honor loved ones impacted by cancer.

How to Volunteer

Volunteers play a meaningful role in extending the organization’s reach and deepening the sense of community that defines Gilda’s Club. While specific opportunities vary over time, common volunteer