Gilda Radner was a trailblazer — she was the very first cast member on SNL, and after her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1986, she was one of the first celebrities who normalized talking about cancer out loud.
Throughout her courageous battle, she never lost her sense of humor and her willingness to talk openly about it with others, especially cancer patients. In her memory, Red Door Community was born here in New York City, her SNL home.
In 1995, the very first Red Door Communityhouse opened its signature red door on West Houston Street to offer a haven for cancer patients and their loved ones and provide emotional and educational support.
Twenty-three years later, this flagship location continues to provide a welcoming community for adults, teens, and children impacted by cancer. Our successful Program inspired other community-based centers to open across the country who are now collectively part of the largest cancer support community in the world.
We offer support groups, educational lectures, and healthy lifestyle workshops … 100% free of charge. Our mission is to support, educate and empower cancer patients and their families so no one faces cancer alone.
We are grateful for Gilda and what her legacy means to the 12,000 people Red Door Community reaches each year at our New York City Clubhouse and at our offsite hospital partners throughout NYC.
Gilda Radner’s story is told in a powerful documentary about her life, Love, Gilda produced by Lisa D’Apolito who was inspired to create this documentary after her experience with our members and staff at the Gilda’s NYC Clubhouse. This story demonstrates the importance of a community of support for cancer patients and why Red Door Community was founded.
Please watch the premiere of Love, Gilda on CNN airing Tuesday January 1, 2019 at 9PM/ET
