In the pursuit of funding the cure for pancreatic cancer, Jesse Stein found an effective painkiller.
“Laughing is really good for the body,” the 12-year-old student at Twin Groves Middle School said — an assertion supported by medical science. “Most people love laughing.”
Thus, Stein and several helpers are organizing “Laughing in the Face of Pancreatic Cancer,” a fundraiser involving the improv troupe Comedy Sportz, to benefit the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. The event begins at 7 p.m. April 3 at Stein’s middle school; tickets are $15.
“People understand what I’m going through,” said the young man whose life has already been affected by the disease, twice. “It’s something that’s been always talked about in our house.”
Stein never met his grandfather or grandmother, who died of pancreatic cancer in 1993 (former) and 1995 (latter). He does have years of memories of his uncle Kevin, the family comedian…who died of the same affliction in November.
The middle school student said he sometimes worries if the disease is coming for him. That, and the desire to help the thousands suffering from it presently, motivated him to organize a benefit.
“It’s all of the above,” Stein said. “Many people have it at this time, and I really want it to stop.”
He recalled Halloween 2012, when his father, Cliff, and two of his uncles, including Kevin, visited the oncology ward of a nearby hospital…in costume. Batman, a Teddy bear and a witch (that would be Kevin) that gave the patients a humorous distraction from their battles.
“When people are going to the oncologist, they’re always scared, and praying to God that they won’t have it,” Stein said.
The young man has enjoyed some help in getting the attention of his school’s administrators and professional comedians. Cliff Stein has some powerful connections — being a contract negotiator for the Chicago Bears.
The elder Stein has the fundraiser’s financial breakdown at the ready: Jesse has already raised more than $1,000, and he hopes to more than double that with ticket sales to the event, which will cost about $1,250 to put on.
“I’m really proud that I’m doing this,” Jesse Stein said, “because it’s for a good cause. I’m really hoping that people will join me.”
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