Cancer Support Community Rochester's mission is to create welcoming communities of no cost support to those living with cancer – adults, teens and children – along with their families and friends. Our innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities. Established in 1959, the agency was originally named Cancer Action. In 2000, the agency was re-branded as Gilda’s Club Rochester, in honor of the famed comedienne who died of cancer in 1989. The objective was to create an even more informed and healthier population. This collaboration with a national network of cancer support organizations enabled us to offer an even wider variety of programs, including much-needed social and emotional support to those living with cancer and their family members. Today, our newly-named (as of October 2021) Cancer Support Community Rochester serves over 5,000 people annually. Gilda’s spirit lives on as members both give and receive support and encouragement through our unique programs and events. We offer over 1,000 free programs each year to those whose lives have been impacted by cancer.