Laughter provided a fabulous diversion when Danville resident Stacey Hartmann was struck with late stage ovarian cancer six years ago. She giggled and hollered at the e-mails, jokes and good cheer provided by her new friend, Charleen “Charley B.” Earley.
Earley, a stand-up comic and freelance writer, knew that comedy is every bit as important to recovery as chemo.
“Patch Adams, M.D., a nationally known speaker on wellness, humor and laughter believes that ‘the most revolutionary act one can commit in our world is to be happy.’ I believe you add ‘laugh-a-day’ to your ‘apple-a-day’ and you put yourself in the live-longer category,” Earley said.
Hartmann agrees.
“Studies show how laughter releases endorphins that relieve pain and enhance a sense of well-being,” she said. “Cancer treatment is hard and stressful, and patients need a break from that.”
Stacey Hartmann had met Earley six months before her diagnosis, in her position as an editor for ThisWeek, an entertainment and activity guide. Once Hartmann completed her treatments, Earley, who had already produced comedy benefit shows for Meals on Wheels, the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital Oakland and Parental Stress Services, went to work.
“When Stacey was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I immediately thought, ‘This next one’s for you, Stacey,'” said Earley. “I started putting shows together on her behalf as a cancer patient. After the second one, Stacey knew she could bring more to the table by using her awesome marketing skills, and thus, Comedy Night, a benefit for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, was born and became successful,” Earley said.
After their first year at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Hartmann suggested they move to the more intimate Village Theatre in Danville, where they played to mostly packed houses.
Earley recruited the talents of Mark Pitta, Johnny Steele, Brian Copeland, Tommy Drake, Regina Stoops, Larry “Bubbles” Brown and many more to perform for Comedy Night in Danville. After six years she continues to emcee the annual show and she also performs.
Hartman was diagnosed in the summer of 2000 and statistics gave her a 20 percent chance of surviving for five years. Now her cancer is in remission, and she works part-time in marketing for the Town of Danville. She’s also a volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition/San Francisco Bay Area Division and the mother of three.
She is grateful to have beaten the odds as she approaches the six-year survival mark in July 2006 and said the healing power of laughter has helped her deal with setbacks like periodic chemotherapy to treat her ovarian cancer recurrence.
“Danville has been wonderful,” Hartmann exclaimed. “We have had such loyal and supportive crowds at the Village Theatre shows. The Village staff also has been wonderful to work with.”
After playing to sold-out crowds in the Village Theatre, the sixth annual Comedy Night is moving to the 785-seat Hofmann Theatre at the Dean Lesher Center for the Performing Arts. Helping to fund the move is the John Muir Women’s Health Center, which provides accessible comprehensive health programs for women in a caring and supportive environment.
Headlining in the show this year will be Andrew Norelli, who graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 1992. He has appeared with Jay Leno, Gary Shandling and other top comedians, and said he is pleased to return to what he once considered the “big city” of Walnut Creek. Ross Turner and Michael Meehan will join Norelli for the benefit.
In addition to being a riotous, fun-filled night, the Comedy Night producers will distribute information.
“We use Comedy Night to distribute the magnets I designed with the symptoms printed on them,” Hartmann said. “It is so gratifying knowing that women take that information and share it with their girlfriends, mothers, sisters and daughters.
“My hope is that women are using that info to open a dialogue with their doctors. We encourage women to take control of their health and be persistent when they have unexplained symptoms that last for more than a few weeks. This is one case where knowledge is power and women can and should use their power when it comes to their health.”
Hartmann, now 45, is thankful to have beaten the odds. She knows one thing for sure: A sense of humor is vital for recovery.
Comedy benefit
What: Sixth annual Comedy Night for NOCC
Who: Andrew Norelli, Ross Turner, Michael Meehan; emcee Charleen “Charlie B.” Earley
Benefits: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Where: Hofmann Theatre, Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, July 15
Cost: $37; $32 for seniors
Tickets: Call 943-SHOW (943-7469) or visit www.dlrca.org
Information: 974-8189 or visit www.comedybenefit.org
About ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer will affect 1 in 59 American women, and there is no early screening test. Symptoms are abdominal discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets; urgency of urination; weight loss or gain; bloating; fatigue; and changes in bowel habits. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, educate about the disease, and obtain funding for research. To contact the San Francisco Bay Area Division, call 974-8189 or visit www.ovarian.org.
