Family Friend Hosting Comedy Night For RI Boy Who Needs Surgery

COVENTRY, RI — A family friend of a Coventry boy who needs surgery for a rare medical condition is sponsoring a comedy night to help pay the family's medical bills.

D'Anthony Cruz, 13, was diagnosed in May 2021 with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a rare condition that affects connective tissues. Connective tissues provide support for skin, tendon, ligaments, internal organs and more.

Because of the condition, Cruz often has to use a wheelchair, needs surgery and needs updates to his home to make it more accessible for him.

Kelly Cardinal and her husband Adam are friends with Cruz's parents. Cardinal said she's known the family for a while and met them through church. She said Cruz is an awesome kid, and when he needed surgery, she wanted to do whatever she could. That's when Cardinal and her husband reached out to Funny 4 Fund$, a nonprofit that puts on comedy shows for good causes.

"We're trying to raise as much money as we can," Cardinal said. "He already has medical bills, and he hasn’t even had the surgery yet."

Cardinal said Cruz is the kind of kid that's tried to make a positive impact in his community from a young age.

Back in 2014, Cruz held a lemonade stand for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and made enough money to buy 300 pounds of food.

"This kid always does stuff like this," Cardinal said. "He's a really sweet kid. He did this, and now it's our turn."

About the comedy show

The charity comedy show is at 6 p.m. May 1, at the Warwick Knights of Columbus on 475 Sandy Lane. The set will feature local comedians, as well as a set from Funny 4 Fund$ co-founder Michael Murray.

The comedy show is for audiences 18 and older and will also include a cash bar, charity raffle and auction. Auction prizes include New England Patriots tickets, Boston Red Sox tickets and tickets for "My Fair Lady"at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Cardinal said she's still looking for local businesses to sponsor the show and for people to donate auction items. She said every business that donates will have their company's name on tables at the event.

To purchase a ticket, donate or become a sponsor, visit Funny 4 Fund$ website or call Cardinal at 1-866-489-4674.