It’s hard to imagine how someone can turn a life-threatening illness into a way to help thousands of women take control of their health, but cancer survivor Fran Drescher is just that kind of woman. While the popular comedic actress is known for her many performances on television and Broadway, her most rewarding role has been as creator of the non-profit organization, Cancer Schmancer, which recently hosted its first Women’s Health Summit in Los Angeles.
Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Cheryl Hines and Drescher’s former TV mom, Renee Taylor, attended the Summit, which honored Rosie O’ Donnell with the Empowerment through Comedy Award for raising awareness for women’s heart health.
Unfortunately, O’Donnell was unable to attend last minute, but sent in a video from the set of FOX’s Empire in Chicago. “I will be playing Pepper O’Leary, a baker with a criminal past, and I’ll be on a couple of times this season,” O’Donnell explained. “When Frannie asked me to accept an award, which I thought was so kind of her -- she is the kindest person I know… I support her in every way and everything she does. This Health Summit is so needed, so wonderful, so empowering to women. I wish I could be there, I said yes right away and then I got this job. And you know actors, we need work!”
Following the event, ETonline exclusively caught up with Drescher to talk about her charity, O’Donnell and getting back into TV.
ETonline: What was your goal at the Summit?
Fran Drescher: We wanted to create an educational conference that would offer people information that they would never hear from a doctor. We didn’t want to just do a typical fundraiser, where you sit at round tables and watch a comedian. We had over 400 people who participated in panel discussions that raised awareness about early warning symptoms, nutrition, reducing their risk of disease and detoxifying their home. As a cancer survivor, it’s become so important for me to turn pain into purpose and offer people a way they can take charge of their health. It was truly a great day.
