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Stories of Hope – John and Gianna

Gilda's Club December 13, 2012

I’m Painting the Door Red for Gianna.

My sister Gianna and I grew up watching comedian Gilda Radner on “Saturday Night Live” and we were crushed when she died of ovarian cancer in 1989. We felt we knew her personally, and it meant so much to us to see her family and friends open Gilda’s Clubs across the country to honor her memory and keep her sense of humor alive.

Years later, when Gianna was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I immediately thought of Gilda and went in search of a local Gilda’s Club. I was surprised to learn there wasn’t one.

What I did find, however, was a group of people committed to opening Gilda’s Club Minnesota, people who understood what I was going through and knew just how much I and others like me needed a place where we could find the support Gilda’s Club is so famous for. Even without a clubhouse, they helped me at one of life’s toughest times.

I miss Gianna every day. I know she’d be proud of how close we are to opening Gilda’s Club Minnesota and of my ongoing commitment to volunteering and contributing.

Please join me and others as we paint the door red for those we love. Whether for a sister, a friend or the neighbor down the street, donate today and help open Gilda’s Club Minnesota so no one will have to face cancer alone.

Who will you paint the door red for?