Cancer survivor and award-winning comedic actress Fran Drescher took to the stage on May 9 at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, N.Y., to accept City of Hope’s Spirit of Life® Award. Fellow actress and television personality Rosie O’Donnell presented the award to Drescher at the annual East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League “Woman of the Year” Luncheon. The event raised about $200,000 for City of Hope.

Drescher reached star status with her role as “The Nanny,” a CBS television network comedy series she created, wrote and executive produced. She also has authored two books that appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, “Enter Whining” and “Cancer Schmancer.” The latter of her two books chronicles her triumph over uterine cancer, including her experience with City of Hope physicians, nurses and staff members.

As a cancer survivor, Drescher is an outspoken advocate for women’s health care, working to make it more accessible and reliable.

Each year, the “Woman of the Year” Luncheon, produced and hosted by City of Hope’s East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League, honors a woman of high achievement and leadership who has made notable contributions to both her community and profession.

The chosen honoree receives City of Hope’s most prestigious honor, The Spirit of Life Award. Past honorees of the event include Kelly Ripa, Cindy Crawford, Paula Zahn, Mary Tyler Moore and Katie Couric.

This year’s luncheon attracted more than 450 guests and garnered media coverage from the nationally syndicated entertainment show, “Access Hollywood.”