Gilda Radner
When Emmy Award-winning comedian and actress, Gilda Radner, (best known for her five years as part of the original cast of the NBC comedy series Saturday Night Live), was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, she quickly realized the importance of emotional and social support when dealing with her cancer.
After attending a Wellness Community in California, Gilda called for such places of participation, education, hope and friendship to be made available to men, women and children with any type of cancer and their families and friends.
Upon her death in May of 1989. her husband, Gene Wilder, and Joanna Bull (Gilda’s psychotherapist) founded the flagship Gilda’s Club with it’s signature red doors, in New York City. In November 2009, Gilda’s Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community joined forces under the affiliation name of the Cancer Support Community.
Together, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club offer about 50 locations throughout the US and Canada for people to come together to find the emotional and social support during their cancer journey.
Gilda's Club has helped change the lives of tens of thousands of members, restoring a sense of control and enriching the entire family.
Gilda's spirit lives on at every Gilda's Club.