Actress and cancer survivor Fran Drescher, best known as the title character in the 1993-99 TV sitcom "The Nanny," is the guest speaker at a free April 30th lecture sponsored by The Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital. The lecture, "Fran Drescher: Changing Negatives into Positives," begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. To register, call toll free, 1-888-357-2396.

A native of Queens, New York, Drescher got her first big break in entertainment with a small part in the hit movie "Saturday Night Fever." After a series of roles in movies and TV, she landed the starring role on the sitcom "The Nanny," which propelled her into the national limelight. The sharp, biting wit and memorable nasal voice of Drescher's character, Fran Fine, helped the show become an instant success.

The year 2000 marked a personal turning point for Drescher. She was diagnosed with Stage 1 uterine cancer. Because it was caught early, surgery was successful and she was able to forego chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She has been cancer free ever since.

Drescher returned to TV in 2005 with the sitcom "Living with Fran." She has also authored two books -- her autobiography, Enter Whining; and Cancer Schmancer, about her experiences as a cancer patient. In that book, she says, "My whole life has been about changing negatives into positives."

The Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital provides care to nearly 1,100 new cancer patients each year -- more than any other hospital in Fairfield County. The Cancer Institute's comprehensive spectrum of services includes advanced medical and surgical treatment, diagnostic radiology, clinical laboratory services, as well as prevention, screening and support programs.