Gilda's Club

I don't know of anyone who knew Gilda Radner that didn't love watching her comic genius. I grew up watching the first season with the dream cast of Saturday Night live - Radner, Belushi, Akroyd, Morris, Chase, Curtain, Newman and others. They haven't had a cast like that since. I read Gilda's book "It's always something" several years ago, and had followed her life and death in the news. She was an amazing woman, who fought a hard battle with ovarian cancer. Before she died she talked about the need to have a place people could go and hang out and laugh and get the support they and their family and friends need when you're life is turned upside down by cancer. Gilda's club was started by her husband Gene Wilder and Joanna Bull (Gilda's friend and therapist) in her memory. Gilda's Club offers art classes, exercise classes, support groups, places for kids and teens to play, etc...

Josh, Chassi, Lisa and I took a Thai cooking class there recently. It was fabulous! Two Vandy students taught it and we learned to make some amazing dishes. Anna Belle attended Camp Sparkle, an arts camp there last month in "Noogieland". She had a wonderful time as well.

One of the great things about Gilda's is that everything you do there is free of charge. They have several corporate sponsors and volunteers that stock the clubhouse with delicious snacks and teach the classes. This is where Mickey and I are taking yoga classes.

Gilda's club is not only for cancer patients, it's for anyone who's life is touched by the disease. So if you are reading this blog, you certainly can come and check it out and join us in a class or just to hang out and laugh. I've met some really wonderful and brave men and women there. Some of them are currently battling cancer, and some who have been in remission for years. They all inspire me, come by and they will inspire you too.