I’m writing this review based on my observation with my wife’s personal experience at Gilda’s West. The conclusive opinions are all mine. I have not heard of or experienced any other staff issues with other Gilda’s Kentuckiana locations. This review is to show a pattern of rude behavior at Gilda’s West. My wife, a cancer patient who was a client, was asked by upper management to volunteer to do art classes at Gilda’s West. Upper management demanded my wife move tables and chairs around even though she knows my wife is physically unable to do so due to the permanent effects of her cancer treatments. Upper management has also raised her voice several times at my wife. I personally overheard upper management loudly reprimanding my wife over the phone regarding art class supplies that she will not purchase for my wife’s upcoming art class. Upper management then made it so uncomfortable for my wife she had no choice but to quit volunteering. No empathy or sympathy at this location in my opinion. My wife stayed away for several months and notified higher upper management, and they claimed they addressed the issue. So, she returned to Gilda’s West. I was also participating at Gida’s West but quit going after that. My wife is more forgiving than I am. But subtle hostility towards my wife persisted when she returned, but my wife overlooked it because she really enjoyed the classes there. Until, during a Gilda’s West event, a rude volunteer raised her voice towards my wife and loudly reprimanded her over and over because she was searching for a coffee lid in the cabinets. Then loudly repeated the reprimand to my wife’s mother in a manor everyone could hear. My wife had to leave. This was just too much for her. This is supposed to be a clubhouse for cancer patients where everyone is treated with respect. In my opinion this is not an emotionally safe or compassionate place based on the emotional pain I see my wife go through. I take offense of this type of behavior from a company who states in their moto, “uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support…”
I have volunteered with the organization many times and have clubhouse members directly tell me the positive impact Gilda's Club gives to its members, family and friends. The Gilda's Club Louisville staff is generous, courteous and overall great to work with. I am proud to serve this organization as a volunteer and Associate Board member, and I hope many individuals will join in advocating and helping them raise money to continue providing their services free of charge to its members.