For the past 15 years, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance’s signature event – Comedy for a Cure® – has harnessed the power of laughter and provided hope for the thousands of families and individuals who face the devastating daily impact of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) while raising critically needed funds to find a cure.
TSC causes tumors to form in vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, eyes and skin. TSC is also the leading genetic cause of both autism and epilepsy. While the daily challenges of living with TSC can be daunting for children and adults with the disease, ongoing research in laboratories and clinical trials shows real promise in developing better treatments and identifying circumstances that, for the first time, may prevent some of the most harmful effects of the disease. This incredible promise is why the TS Alliance urges you to become a Comedy for a Cure sponsor – we need your help to ensure a brighter future, which builds on our past successes.
On Sunday, April 2, 2017, the 16th Annual Comedy for a Cure will be held at The Globe Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood, and we invite you to join us for a laughter-filled evening to inspire hope by raising funds to benefit the TS Alliance’s research efforts and support programs for anyone affected by TSC. The event begins with a one-hour reception and silent auction at 5:00 pm, followed by a short program, live auction and hilarious comedy.
ABOUT COMEDY FOR A CURE 
In 2017, Comedy for a Cure will roast and toast Jim O’Heir, including tributes provided by the cast of Parks and Recreation. Jim has been a long-time supporter of the TS Alliance and Comedy for a Cure, where he’s served as host, emcee and honorary chair in the past. But he didn't stop there. Jim also appeared in the TS Alliance’s FOUR DECADES | ONE COMMUNITY play that celebrated the organization’s 40th Anniversary on Broadway in New York City and again in Washington, DC. He also served as emcee for the TS Alliance’s first Sound Bites event in Minneapolis, MN and played a significant role in the TS Alliance’s #IAMTSC public service announcement campaign, which garnered $1.2 million in media placement values. His compassion has touched and fueled the TSC community.
This year’s expanded comedy show features some of Hollywood’s funniest comedians and Jim’s friends, including headliner Bryan Callen and featured comedian Wendy Liebman, magician Shane Brady and returning emcees Mo Collins and Alex Skuby. Jane Lynch from Glee and Kate Flannery from The Office will also sing selections from their live show “See Jane Sing” with Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Jazz Band.
Since its inception, Comedy for a Cure has raised more than $4.5 million, bolstered by the support of the “who’s who” in the entertainment industry and comedy community – Garth Brooks, Mo Collins, Mark Curry, Dana Delaney, James Denton, Calista Flockhart, Greg Grunberg, Bob Guiney, Teri Hatcher, Patricia Heaton, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jane Kaczmarek, Melina Kanakaredes, Bill Maher, Larry Miller, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Morrison, Jim O’Heir, Bonnie Somerville, Ray Romano, Bob Saget, Sarah Silverman, Variety magazine, Access Hollywood, and many more.
Comedy for a Cure also provides a platform to highlight and honor those who have made significant differences in our fight against TSC.
This year, we are proud to recognize the Michael Augustine Family with the Courage in Leadership Award. Mike and his wife Milly have served the local and national TSC community for the past 25-plus years on behalf of their daughter Megan, who has TSC. Milly started the gift-wrap campaign in 1994 and lead this effort for 10 years, raising $100,000. Mike helped create the TS Alliance Endowment Fund in 1995. Serving three, six year terms on the Endowment Board, Mike was personally responsible for the growth of the fund to more than $5 million today. Their leadership and dedication has shaped the TS Alliance as we know it today.
