Warren resident J.D. Marshall believes in the healing power of laughter.
For the past 10 years, Marshall has hosted comedy shows for charity, most often to fund his Mission of Love charity to help cancer patients and their families. April 12 will be Marshall’s last appearance as host of a Comedy 4 Cancer show.
“Comedy 4 Cancer is not ending, I’m just not going to be the one who is hosting going forward,” said Marshall.
The Mission of Love charity and Comedy 4 Cancer performances grew from Marshall’s desire to help other families that have been affected by pediatric cancer. Marshall’s 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie, died April 11, 2015 from the disease and he was inspired to do something to help other families.
Marshall’s “One Last Laugh” show will be April 12, 6 p.m. at the UAW 228 Hall, 39209 Mound Road in Sterling Heights.
The evening starts with a concert performance featuring Alan Turner as “The Gambler” from Kenny Rogers. The comedy show begins at 7 p.m. and opens with Marshall doing his last standup performance followed by Bill Smith, feature performer Rebecca Concepcion and headliner Jason Gilleran.
“This show is a little different than what we usually do because we are having a concert,” said Marshall. “Alan Turner looks and sounds just like Kenny Rogers.
“Rebecca Concepcion is amazing and has done quite a few shows with us and Jason Gilleran is a very, very good comedian who appears all over the state.”
The show is one day after the 10-year anniversary of the death of Marshall’s daughter.
“April 12 is a celebration of my daughter’s life,” said Marshall. “This has been one hell of a journey and every day hits you like a punch in the stomach.
“We have lost 80% of the kids that we’ve worked with through Mission of Love.”
Marshall also put together an April 26 show at the Premier Events Center, 20400 South Nunneley Road in Clinton Township. Dubbed “You Have the Right to Remain Laughing” show benefits Warren Police chaplain Jay Jackson, who has been battling health issues since October.
Scheduled to perform are Marvin Barnett, Ned Rice, feature performer Veronica Douglas and headliner Dustin Cole.
There will be gift basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and a cash bar at both shows.
“Jay and his wife Tonya are very special people,” said Marshall. “Jay is one of the people who nominated me for the Warren Crime Commission to which I was appointed in December.
“Hopefully we can get the building full; every dollar raised from ticket sales and the raffle will be given to him that night.”
Tickets for the April 12 show are $15 or $100 for a table of 10 and can be purchased at comedy4cancer.com. Tickets for the April 26 show are $10 or $75 for a table of 10 and can be purchased at comedytix.org.
