In the years prior to being diagnosed with cancer I had the honor to perform in Iraq and Afghanistan for our troops. The whole experience showed me that comedy had a much higher value than a paycheck. Some say comedy and laughter can heal. I don't know if that's true, but it sure can make someone forget their pain for a couple hours. After being told I had cancer, I started thinking, "Well, why not see if it can cure. Even if indirectly."
So I decided to start a foundation that would raise money for research, and people who were chasing their dreams and were stricken with the disease. As you might guess, most people chasing their dreams do not have the best health insurance. It saddened me to think how many dreams remained dormant because people were worried about what "might" happen to them health-wise. So I thought these people should receive some assistance if they find themselves in trouble.
I named it LaughStrong with a nod to Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong charity. Get it? I hope so. That is a pretty easy one.
Along with other comics and charitable foundations, I will be holding fundraising shows and events. If you'd like to be a part of one, help organize, or have a suggestion please contact me. I have also teamed up with The Walter Payton Cancer Fund, to ensure the highest amount of any donation or money raised goes directly to the cause. Walter Payton was a great running back with the Chicago Bears, and my hero growing up. He also had cancer in his liver. He died too young, in his forties. I am very proud to be involved with his wife Connie Payton and their charity.
If you would like to make a donation, click here. For each $5 you donate, I will send you my version of the yellow cancer wristbands. Mine are black. I chose black because I believe that it is in the darkest times that we need humor the most. And because it is much more fashion friendly than those gaudy yellow ones. Ha,Ha. Thanks for your help and support. Steve