Phyllis Newman (photo by Anita Shevett)

The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national human services organization that helps address the specific needs of musicians and other entertainment professionals — with a unique understanding of the challenges involved with a life in the arts and the knowledge of what it takes to thrive in an often-unpredictable industry.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Fund shines a spotlight on the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative (PNWHI).

Phyllis Newman, a Tony Award-winning actress, Fund trustee and breast cancer survivor, founded The Women’s Health Initiative to guarantee compassionate and confidential support for women navigating serious medical conditions. Raising millions of dollars to support her colleagues, she generated a safety net for countless women experiencing the challenges faced with a life-changing diagnosis. Today, Ms. Newman’s legacy lives on through PNWHI and her remarkable impact on the Fund.

In her words,

“I know from personal experience the fear and pain that can spring from a major medical crisis. In 1983, I was diagnosed with breast cancer which led to a double mastectomy. At the time, you didn’t hear a lot of inspirational stories, and you didn’t know many people who were survivors because everyone was so quiet about it. This is no longer the case.

Today, my female colleagues in entertainment have PNWHI: a safe place to go to address serious medical concerns and get confidential and compassionate help.”

Established in 1996, the Fund’s PNWHI is an accessible program staffed by social workers experienced in helping women manage a range of critical health concerns. PNWHI offers dedicated resources to address the challenges of a serious medical illness or injury and provide the care and support each woman needs to reduce stress and focus on her wellness.

With services from individual and group support, help with navigating health care systems and connection to community support, PNWHI provides access to a support network that includes linkages to health care and mental health services.

Phyllis Newman’s legacy lives on through the program she founded and the women it continues to help. The services of PNWHI are available to women and women-identifying individuals working in performing arts and entertainment.

To learn more, please visit entertainmentcommunity.org/PNWHI.