BALTIMORE — "What better way to teach people about an important issue than to get them laughing," said Bryson Young, a Baltimore comedian. "Comedy and laughter is a great way for people to learn about new issues, to deal with tragedy and to be able to help others."
On Saturday, December 21st, Young is hosting 'Jokes Under the Christmas Tree'. It's a comedy show at North Avenue Market from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m., doors open at 7. The feature comedians are Shahryar,Violet Gray,Megan Graves,Ronald James andEric Dadourian.
The proceeds from the event go to the Star Legacy Foundation.
"A big part of what they do is supporting families who have lost their babies to stillbirth and neo-natal death," said Laura Duggan, the Vice Chair of Star Legacy Foundation for the Low Country Chapter in South Carolina who's nephew was stillborn. "They’re really into empowering women and empowering families around the risks of still birth and trying to promote change."
Her sister, Kristin O'Neill, had Wyatt in South Carolina, where she lives. Laura said Wyatt's death could have been prevented.
"My sister's son was experiencing ten kicks in two hours but it was slowed down from his normal movement and that was a risk and that was a sign and if the doctors would have realized it he could have been saved and it hasn’t just happened to her," she said. "There’s 26,000 stillbirths annual and the Star Legacy Foundation believes most of them could be preventable if doctors are more informed about risk factors and patients are more informed so they can advocate for themselves."
Laura became passionate about the Star Legacy mission and that's when she joined their team. She said stillbirth is not talked about and it needs to be brought into the light. That's why she believes this comedy show is the best outlet.
"Everyone needs to know about it and talk about it and stop being scared and that’s how change will happen," said Duggan.
For information about the event, click here.
