Cancer Pathways was formerly Gilda’s Club Seattle – named in honor of Gilda Radner, who, when describing the emotional and social support she received when she had cancer, called for such places of participation, education, hope and friendship to be made available for people with cancer and their families and friends everywhere. The New York flagship facility, with its International Training Center, opened in June of 1995.
Anna Gottlieb, our Executive Director, saw an article in People Magazine on a rainy Seattle afternoon many years ago about the first Gilda’s Club opening in New York City. She was so intrigued by the family focus and the humor that went along with a cancer support community that she went to NY to see it for herself.
She was so convinced that this wonderful program was needed in Seattle that she spent the last 19 years pursuing this dream. Anna says, “This has been a journey filled with much love, dedication, passion and commitment on the parts of so many. It has been a privilege and honor to play a small part of this incredible team.” We officially opened the doors to our clubhouse in 2001 and have been continually growing, adapting, and walking along side people with cancer ever since.