Last night I had the pleasure of being part of a great event, “Don’t Forget to Laugh” organized by Melinda Smith of Heart Mojo, https://www.spreaker.com/show/heart-mojo-with-melinda-smith.  The entertainment consisted of four amazing comics all with heart and soul; Bill Benden, Tim Folger (no relation to the coffee), Mike Conley, and Michael Gershe.  This talented group of individuals donated their time, energy and passion for an evening to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

Melinda Smith has a walk team to support the important message that only money for continued research will help eliminate, cure, or reduce the incidents of this mind altering disease.  It is not just the individual that experiences the loss of memories that suffers but all that engage with them.  Although this disease is not life-threatening, it destroys the nerves that connect in the brain that makes it difficult or impossible to do common every day things like, dressing, eating, and worst of all living in a fog of confusion.  Like many of us, Linda had the experience of watching her grandmother live out her life with this disease.  In fact, not only did her mother become a caregiver but Linda did as well, out of love and need for a family member.

Last night’s event is just one of several Melinda Smith will be coordinating to raise awareness and financial support for Alzheimer’s and Dementia which is kin to this disease.  “Don’t forget to Laugh,” was held at the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls.  Owner Pete Barakat of the club graciously provided the space for this comedy event.  Watch for more information on “Don’t forget to Laugh” coming to Cleveland, and other areas where we can come together to support ourselves and others to help in finding a cure.

On a side note,  I want to share that studies show that laughter and music help heal parts of the brain.  So keep laughing, do not lock it away.

Laugh to Keep From Crying Madonna

I can’t lock my door 
Oh, I don’t have no privacy
The only thing that’s mine
Is what’s inside of me

When I’ve had enough
A little voice inside
It says you’ve got to be tough
You’ve got to take it in stride

Sometimes I am foolish
I let it get the best of me
At least I know that my mistakes
Are my responsibility
And

I just have to laugh to keep from crying
I just have to laugh to keep from crying

I don’t have a dime
Oh, to buy those pretty things
But I hear all the evidence
You know it all sounds the same

But I’m still waiting
I’ve got my hands open wide
You know my dream isn’t fading
I keep it hidden inside
Oh

I just have to laugh to keep from crying
I keep on trying

My friends don’t understand
Oh, they think I’ve lost my mind
And I’m choking back the tears
I’ve got to swallow my pride

I just have to laugh, ah
La, ah
Lo, oh
La, ah

Songwriters: CICCONE MADONNA L / BRAY STEPHEN PATE
Laugh to Keep From Crying lyrics © WB Music Corp., Webo Girl Publishing Inc., Momma Hattie’S Muse, COPYRIGHT CONTROL (NON-HFA), WEBO GIRL PUBLISHING, INC., WB MUSIC CORP. O/B/O WEBO GIRL PUBLISHING, INC.