Stand-Up to Cancer

• April 6, 2015
• Comedy, Hawaii

 

I’ll never forget seeing a newspaper article several years ago about a group of fifth-grade boys who shaved their heads so their friend with cancer wouldn’t feel out of place.  One of their 11-year old classmates went through chemotherapy and lost all his hair so the kids rallied together to ensure no one could tell who was sick.  How cool is that.  I remember being pretty obsessed with my hair at that age,  meticulously shaping my jr. mullet with neon green Dep hair gel.  I used Aqua Net if it was windy.  #Confession is good for the soul.  This was the 80’s man,  it could of been worse,  I knew guys with perms.

It’s a tragic reality that kids get cancer and have to face a fierce fight for their lives at such a young age.  I’ve worked with several over the years;  part of my job is covering the chaplain on-call rotation at a children’s hospital.  The bravery these kids exude is inspiring and could teach adults a thing or two about facing adversity.

I’m excited to do stand-up comedy in a show that will benefit St. Baldrick’s,  an organization that raises money for childhood cancer research.  The numbers are staggering,  but with more research more kids are finding hope that just didn’t exist in recent past.  The show,  Cancer Isn’t Funny Comedy Show,  is a chance for the local comedy community to come together for a good cause.

All the proceeds will go to support:

  The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long, healthy lives. 

Insert random picture of microphones behind curtain for dramatic effect.

The reason I’m so glad to be part of this show is because a few years ago I had my own bout with the Big C.  In 2008 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Not to give away any surprise endings or anything…but I survived.  I went for a routine visit to an ear,  nose,  and throat doctor and he found a lump in my neck.  After an incredibly soothing  (insert sarcastic tone)  needle biopsy,  it was determined my thyroid needed to bow and exit stage left.  My first question: what’s a thyroid?  You’re telling me I have something called a thyroid in my throat?   Never missed it until I knew it had to go.  Didn’t know it’s responsible for how our bodies convert food into energy,  helps regulate heart rate and body temperature and most importantly:  is shaped like a butterfly.  Such a busy lil’ gland.  Then the doctor said something I’ll never forget.  He said,  well,  if you’re going to have cancer…this is the best type of cancer you can have.  That’s kind of like saying:  well,  if you had to get hit by that car…at least it was a Toyota Tercel…you probably did more damage to the car.

He saved my life so I can’t complain too much I guess.  I feel very fortunate that after my surgery and recovery I’m cancer free.  I take a small pill everyday that fills the butterfly shaped hole in my heart and go back for follow-up visits a few times a year.  Scary stuff,  and amazing how quickly your life can change with one visit to the doctor.  It’s a reminder to be thankful for everyday,  every hour,  every moment.  Every blessed iced-carmel macchiato.  Imagine not being able to drink those for two weeks after surgery.  The horror.

 

So I’m doing it.  I’m shaving my head.  Listen,  my hair’s getting pretty sparse up there anyway,  I figure helping it along a little can’t hurt too much.  Maybe I can grow some facial hair and get some cool frames and skinny jeans and learn how to play the trumpet.  Just waddle from street to street.  This could be a whole new life.  I just joined up with team New Research 5 and the shaving of the head festivities takes place April 26 @ Dave & Buster’s Honolulu.  If you can’t make the comedy show fundraiser and still want to donate to the cause,  click the link below.

https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/796137/2015

I’m still inspired by those fifth-graders who shaved their heads and surrounded their friend with a supportive community.  When I was diagnosed with cancer,  what meant the most was knowing I didn’t have to face it alone.

A

• Cancer Research
• Comedy
• Let's Go Bald
• St. Baldrick's
• Stand-Up Comedy