Our namesake, Gilda Radner, was one of the original cast members of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Throughout her time on the show, she created several enduring characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella and Lisa Loopner.
When Gilda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, she quickly realized the importance of emotional and social support. After attending The Wellness Community in Southern California, Gilda envisioned places of participation, education, hope and friendship available to men, women and children with all types of cancer and their families and friends. After her death in May 1989, her husband, Gene Wilder, and Joanna Bull – Gilda’s psychotherapist – founded the flagship Gilda’s Club in New York City in 1995.
