During her treatment for ovarian cancer, comedian Gilda Radner found strength and hope at The Wellness Community in California. It was Gilda's wish that a Wellness Community be established on the East Coast. Following her death, Gilda's good friend Pam Katz gathered a group of Bostonians and the necessary resources to found The Wellness Community-Greater Boston in 1990. Today, Gilda's wish has been fulfilled, and each year thousands of people with cancer and their loved ones receive free support, education and hope at The Wellness Community's Newton, Roxbury, Salem and Hanover locations.

To honor Gilda's role in the creation of The Wellness Community-Greater Boston, we host the annual Gilda Radner Award Dinner. Two awards are presented at the dinner - The Gilda Radner Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated courage, determination and hope in the face of cancer; and The Sprit of Wellness Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the lives of people affected by cancer.