Women’s History Month

Honoring Gilda Radner

March is Women’s History Month and a time to honor and celebrate the generations of trailblazing women who have shaped American history. Gilda Radner is an extremely inspirational and influential woman who made a name for herself, changing the world of women’s comedy and the role of cancer support forever.

The following are some of the amazing achievements made by Gilda Radner and the effects her legacy has had:

  • Gilda Radner made TV history as not only the first female, but also the first cast member to be hired for NBC’s late-night comedy series Saturday Night Live.
  • Radner was an Emmy Award winner, three-time Emmy nominee, Grammy Award winner, and was also nominated for two more Grammy Awards.
  • Present-day female comedians credit Radner for the influence she had on the industry. Tina Fey, known for having similar humor on SNL said, “She was our equivalent to Michelle Obama. She was so lovely, and she was so authentically herself and so regular in so many ways … We all saw that and said: ‘I wanna do that.’”
  • Radner worked to raise awareness for early detection of cancer, as well as the importance of support services for people living with cancer and their families. She found comfort in attending cancer support groups, which at the time was a groundbreaking concept.
  • As a tribute, in 1995 Radner’s husband and her close friends established the nonprofit Gilda’s Club in New York City, which helped launch additional clubhouses in Westchester County, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul and other major cities by offering the “life-affirming gift of community” free of charge, to people living with cancer and their families.

Gilda’s Club Westchester honors Gilda Radner’s legacy and inspiration, offering a wide range of support services and activities. Each clinical program (groups and short-term counseling) is facilitated by an experienced, licensed mental health professional, ongoing and these services provide ongoing emotional and social support to those impacted by cancer in any way. Advanced registration is required for all support groups. For more information on support groups and counseling at GCW visit our website or call 914-644-8844.