Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center (CSC) held its annual Gilda Award Gala on Thursday, May 14, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
The evening of humor, fun, and celebration honored Tig Notaro, Grammy Award-nominated comedian, writer, and breast cancer survivor; YAS Fitness Centers’ founder Kimberly Fowler and vice president Sherri Rosen; and Dr. Mitch Golant, national psychosocial cancer research pioneer. NBC4 Weathercaster Fritz Coleman was emcee.
Actress/comedian Sarah Silverman presented Notaro the prestigious “Gilda Award.” This award is presented to a person that represents late comedian Gilda Radner’s courageous spirit, one that continues to inspire cancer patients today. Gilda Radner came to CSC (then known as The Wellness Community) in 1986 during her battle with ovarian cancer.
YAS Fitness Centers’ founder Kimberly Fowler and vice president Sherri Rosen were this year’s recipients of the “Wellness Award.” The fitness company was celebrated for its positive influence on the community by promoting wellness and a culture and spirit of generosity.
Dr. Mitch Golant was honored with the “Harold H. Benjamin Innovation Award.” Dr. Golant is a national psychosocial cancer research pioneer and is currently Senior Vice President Strategic Initiatives at CSC-HQ, British Columbia.
CSC is celebrating his work with Dr. Benjamin (CSC’s visionary founder) in elevating the role of psychosocial support worldwide.
In 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community.
Its mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.
The combined organization provides the highest quality social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer through a network of 50 licensed affiliates, more than 120 satellite locations, and vibrant online and telephone communities, touching more than one million people each year.
CSC Benjamin Center was founded in 1982 in Santa Monica by Dr. Harold and Harriet Benjamin. Cancer Support Community Benjamin Center offers 100 percent free invaluable emotional and psychological support and related, healthy life-style services.
For information, visit www.cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org.
