Bring on Laughs: Comedy Benefit For Writer Battling Cancer

It’s no secret that laughter can be the best medicine, and on Sept. 27 the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will host an evening of stand-up comedy in honor of former Marine, cancer patient, and noteworthy journalist, Jedwin Smith.

Smith has received 57 major writing awards throughout his career and was twice nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. His latest work, entitled Our Brother’s Keeper, is a memoir of Smith’s service in Vietnam, where he witnessed the death of his younger brother.

The evening of stand-up will include two showings at 7 and 9 p.m., both featuring “Felon O’Reilly,” the comedic persona of Al Joyce, a long-time friend of Smith. The unlikely pair struck up a friendship at a local writers’ conference in 2007.

“It was Jedwin who taught me that it is possible to make a difference in someone’s life,” Joyce said in a press release. “So it’s time to try to make a difference in his life.”

As a writing mentor in the Atlanta community, Smith has worked with over 62 local writers, 22 of whom now have published works.

“Jedwin Smith is one of those rare and remarkable individuals whose focus is on other people’s success rather than his own,” says George Weinstein, former president and officer emeritus of the Atlanta Writers Club, in the release. “He has helped scores of writers become more capable and confident in their abilities. Jedwin certainly is deserving of any help the community can give him.”

Tickets to the event are $20 and all proceeds go toward Smith’s medical bills.

For more information about this event, visit the MJCCA’s website.

Photo courtesy of Anne Wainscott. Pictured left to right: ”Felon” O’Reilly, Jedwin Smith