cancer survivor and humorist Izzy Gesell along with The Jessica Small Trio

“The Healing Power of Laughter” celebrates Cancer Awareness Month with humor and music

Event has passed

    BELFAST — Senior College at Belfast brings “The Healing Power of Laughter” to the Belfast community for a morning of hope, healing and shared laughter Saturday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m., in the Bay View Room at United Farmers Market, 18 Spring Street in Belfast. The event features cancer survivor and humorist Izzy Gesell, along with The Jessica Small Trio providing jazz and blues music.

    “This uplifting event filled with music and laughter is Senior College’s way of celebrating National Cancer Survivor Month,” says Senior College’s president Nancy Lavalle Perkins, in a news release. “So many people have been touched by cancer. We invite them, their neighbors and friends to come together on June 10, to laugh along with Izzy and know that we who have survived cancer do not walk alone.”

    Izzy Gesell is a prostate cancer survivor who now lives in Massachusetts. When he found that humor promoted his healing after treatment, he devoted part of his career as an author and motivational speaker to bringing the power of laughter to others.

    “Humor, imagination, and playfulness are powerful resources for humans, helping us become more effective personally and professionally,” says Gesell.

    The author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, Gesell has been described as “an organizational alchemist who helps individuals and organizations transform their thinking from commonplace to extraordinary.” As both humorist and speaker, he is recognized for his skills delivering meaningful material in a way that fosters healing and health.

    The Jessica Small Trio features musicians Ezra Rugg (on double bass), Jessica Small (on vocals) and Chris Poulin (on jazz guitar) who come to the event with a reputation for excellence built on more than 25 years of performing in the Midcoast, according to the Senior College.

    “We are grateful to the United Farmers Market, Belfast Rotary Club, the Homeport Inn and dozens of individuals whose financial support is making this program possible,” said Senior College president Perkins. “We have also invited community organizations caring for cancer patients, including Waldo County General Hospital and our local hospice volunteers, to promote awareness of the human and organizational resources all around us for people facing the challenges of cancer. We also want to let the community know that Belfast Senior College is here for them ‘to provide intellectual stimulation, practical knowledge, social interaction and fun’ as our mission states.”

    “The Healing Power of Laughter” is a free event made possible by generous community donors. Additional donations for this Cancer Awareness program are welcome by check to Senior College at Belfast or online at belfastseniorcollege.org.

     

    Senior College at Belfast is an independent all-volunteer non-profit organization, now celebrating 30 years of programming. It provides year-round courses and events to provide stimulation, knowledge, social interaction and fun for people age 50 and up. Members’ spouses and partners of any age are also welcome to become members. Membership and course fees are kept purposely low and scholarships are available.

    Event Date: 

    Sat, 06/10/2023 - 9:30am

    Event Location: 

    United Farmers Market

    Address: 

    18 Spring Street
    Belfast, ME 04915
    United States