“At the moment of cancer diagnosis, many people feel an existential aloneness that is piercing to the bone of the soul. The focus can only be absolutely and entirely on oneself at that instant. Later, the impact of the diagnosis on those close to us comes to mind and heart, and if we are lucky we feel less alone in the circle of their concern. If we are really lucky, we find a Gilda’s Club.”
Gilda’s Club: Philosophy & Program
Copyright 1998
Gilda Radner is best known as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. As one of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” she created lovable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella and Lisa Loopner.
Gilda’s astonishing career was cut short when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. Joanna Bull, Gilda’s cancer psychotherapist, introduced her to cancer support groups. Recognizing how integral the support experience was to her treatment, Gilda’s dream was to develop a community where anyone with cancer would receive the kind of support she had found. In her best-selling book “It’s Always Something,” Gilda wrote about her experience living with cancer. She spoke of establishing such a support community in New York when she felt better and said, “There should be a thousand of them.”
Gilda’s ovarian cancer was diagnosed too late for effective treatment and she died in 1989. Following her death, Gilda’s husband, actor and comedian Gene Wilder, Joanna Bull and many of Gilda’s friends founded Gilda’s Club in her memory. The first Club, with its signature red door, opened in New York City in June 1995.