Everyone deals with a diagnosis of cancer in their own way.
When I was first diagnosed I was very confused, upset, and depressed. I turned to my spiritual guru for advice.
She very gently told me that if I wanted advice on cancer I should probably talk to an oncologist. (Spiritual guru’s can be very frustrating!) I pressed her, begging for something that would help me make a treatment decision.
She advised me to do something like sky diving, bungee jumping or take a ride in a helicopter. I think the point was to do something that scared me, something that would be life affirming for me. Being up in the air doesn't scare me so I searched around for something that did. It came to me pretty quickly - doing stand up comedy. Something I have always wanted to do but I was too terrified to try.
I started going to Gilda's Club for classes and support and realized that many people have forgotten that Gilda's was started by Gilda Radner and that comedy and Gilda's go hand in hand.
I can remember being told that Yoga class was being held in the room called “Noogieland” and thinking what a goofy name for a room that was. After weeks of classes in that room it hit me with a flash that Gilda used to do a recurring skit on Saturday Night Live with Bill Murray that always involved “noogies”.
If I had forgotten that the Gilda in Gilda’s Club was the comedian Gilda Radner I wondered how many other people had. With the help of a few friends the idea for a comedy class at the Nashville Gilda's Club was born.
What’s so Funny About Cancer? The Stand-Up Series
There is certainly nothing funny about being saddled with a cancer diagnosis or the treatment that follows. However, artist Molly Secours insists that finding humor in the absurdity of the experience is what aided her in surviving.
Join Molly and professional comedians Rik Roberts and Barb Neligan for a six-week workshop in which we explore different types of comedy writing and stand-up performance techniques and ways you can use them to shine the light of laughter on the truth of your stories.
Series begins Tuesday October 18th, 6 – 8 pm
Attendance at all 5 sessions is strongly suggested and is open to all Gilda’s Club members and volunteers.
Sign up at Gilda’s club or join Gilda’s club by calling 329.1124or email info@GildasClubNashville.org
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