Stand Up To Cancer

Why do we tell jokes? Do we do it in order to make the tedious bearable, to build community, to laugh at our lives, to reveal the ridiculous?

Isn't comedy a courageous examination, shining light on dark times? Why is humor called an invisible weapon? Is it because our sense of humor is like gravity -- a powerful force that cannot be observed directly by the five senses, but whose effects are consistent and undeniable? You can't see, taste, touch, smell or hear a sense of humor, but you sure can feel its effects. Whether you believe in it or not, it works! You don't have to believe in gravity. Just step off of a diving board and splash - you're wet. Likewise, you don't have to believe in the power of humor and laughter. Just start laughing and every system in your body acts as if a master switch has been turned in the direction of better health.

Listening to or seeing something really humorous can do many things for you. Just watch an episode of Seinfeld or listen to the thought-provoking antics of George Carlin and notice how good you feel. Start looking at your life and noticing the silliness around you as well.

There are many sites on the internet that are dedicated to humor and healing. One that has recently caught my attention is that of Saranne Rothberg, comedycures.org. Saranne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. After her first bout of chemotherapy, she went directly to her nearest video store and rented every stand-up comedy tape she could get her hands on.

This motivated her to implement the power of laughter as part of her healing regime. Since her diagnosis, Saranne has created her own non-profit, Comedy Cures. It's an award-winning national organization that brings joy, hope and laughter to kids and grown-ups living with cancer, chronic illness, trauma, depression and disabilities. Through live events and digital outreach, Comedy Cures entertains and educates patients, families and care-givers around the globe.

You can tune in to The ComedyCures LaughingLunch Break Daily at 12:35pm ET on 1010 WINS-AM! Comedy Cures also has a laugh line at 1-888-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha. You can call daily for an updated joke, or post your own.

One of Saranne's inspirations is the pioneer of therapeutic humor, "Norma Cousins." Norma is associated with the ideology of "Laughter is the best medicine." After all, laughter benefits the immune system and helps strengthen the mind-body connection. Laughter can be nourishment.

One of Saranne's visions is to "help you find joy in your journey." She and her organization are making a difference one joke at a time.

Helpful hints:

Take time each day to LAUGH, it is like oxygen for your soul.
Dare to be silly.
Rent a good comedy.
See the funny within your life.
Smile even if you have to force it, it changes the way you feel.

Go on, no one's looking, and even if they are, who cares? Just laugh for the sake of laughing. AHHH!!!!!! Doesn't that feel good?

-Yael Canavan, a proud member of the SU2C web team and a hearty laugher.