Comedians Unite to Fight LupusDENVER, Sept. 13, 2007 — Comedian Phil Palisoul (Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend) headlines the third annual Laughs for Lupus on Wed., Sept. 19; 7:30 pm at the Comedy Works downtown.
The event doubles as a fundraiser for the Colorado Lupus Foundation. Joining Palisoul on stage are local comedians Sam Adams, Lori Callahan and Steve “Mudflap” McGrew.
Laughs for Lupus is one of the best ways Coloradoans have to combat an illness that afflicts as many as 1.5 million Americans, including about 20,000 people statewide.
“Here’s the bad news: There isn’t a cure, and no new, major treatment for lupus has been approved in 40 years,” says Debbie Lynch, the Lupus Foundation’s director development and administration. “Now here’s the good news: Colorado is poised to change all that. Some of the newest research is taking place at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center and at National Jewish Hospital. I believe we can make major strides against this disease during our lifetime.”
News Angles
(Science)
- About 1.5 million Americans -- including approx. 20,000 Coloradoans -- have lupus. More Americans have lupus than have cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell and cystic fibrosis combined.
- Women 15-44 and people of color are more likely to contract the disease. No one knows why.
- There hasn't been a major research development or treatment for lupus in 40 years. What's more, lupus-related deaths are increasing.
- When a breakthrough does come, it could very well be the result of work under way at two Colorado hospitals.
* At the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center, Susan Boakle, MD, is researching a gene marker that could be the lupus trigger.
* At National Jewish Hospital, Elizabeth Kozora, MD, is investigating brain and kidney involvement in lupus patients.
- National and local comedians are teaming up to support lupus research in Colorado.
- Phil Palisoul (Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Comedy Showcase, opening act for Jerry Seinfield, Dennis Miller and Howie Mandel) will be joined on stage by local comedians Sam Adams, Lori Callahan and Steve “Mudflap” McGrew.
- Palisoul watched lupus exact a toll on one of his wife's best friends. “It’s with her in mind that I do this show. Whether to bring some laughs to someone afflicted or to someone who knows someone who knows someone, I hope that is some way my contribution helps,” he says.
- Adams learned of the disease from a sports figure. “I first heard of it when my favorite basketball player, Julius Erving, spoke of losing a brother to the disease,” he says. “Being involved in sports, I have heard professional athletes — including former major-league baseball star Tim Raines, who has been diagnosed with the disease — speak of being touched by lupus.”
Event: Laughs for Lupus
When: Wed., Sept. 19, 7:30 pm
Where: Comedy Works downtown (15th & Larimer)
How Much: $35. Call 303-333-2300 to buy tickets
For More Information
Contact: Jan Thomas, 303-506-0198
No comments:
Post a Comment