Cancer is no laughing matter, but on the last Friday night in January at the Red Bike, eight comedians stood up for their friend and fellow comic — and cancer patient — Andy Royer. With the hope of raising money to help Royer defray the exorbitant costs of his ongoing cancer treatment, islanders Jim Farrell and Steffon Moody invited Seattle comedians Andrew Rivers and Cory McMichaelis to headline the benefit show.
Hope turned to fruition as audience members opened their wallets to the tune of $3,000, an impressive figure for a non-auction event, yet in the end, a small palliative for the ills of Royer’s monthly medical bills of $8,000 to $10,000 after insurance. But according to Royer, the spiritual lift he received “was absolutely invaluable.”
“Really, I was blown away by the response and by the number of people from the community who showed up to share their love, words, support and some bucks as well,” he said “There were so many friends from near and far, and I have never experienced such a gathering. As difficult as my current situation is, my spirit was lifted high that night by everyone in attendance.”
Royer, 44, learned of his cancer only three months ago, and the diagnosis was stunning — stage IV colon cancer. Needless to say, his life took a radical turn. Instead of one full-time job running his specialty bamboo pole import company, with annual flights to the bamboo forests of Guangdong Province in southern China, Royer now had two. The second became the full-time management of his cancer treatment. As Royer explained when he took the stage at the benefit, beating cancer involves not only seeking the best medical care but also fostering a positive mental attitude and receiving support from others.
Royer said he feels lucky times two — lucky to live near high-level cancer treatment centers and lucky to live on Vashon.
“Cancer patients from all around the world come to Seattle because it is regarded as the best place on Earth for treatment. And I submit that Vashon is one of the best places on Earth for community support. … The people of Vashon, in one amazing night, gave me a boost that many others can only dream of. My family and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a community.”
In addition to the money raised, there were offers by islanders to fix Royer’s car, give him food from their garden and take him for a sailboat ride. Minglement now gives him 30 percent off on all of his supplements.
“Every bit of support, whether it comes in the form of dollars or words, letter, hugs, prayers … is taken in and put into my energy bank. I draw on this bank account often to receive a little mental lift. Just knowing that there are so many people out there who care and who want to see me beat the cancer that has invaded my body gives me tremendous strength.”
Royer’s daughter Amayah, 17, who was raised on Vashon, also has plans to jump in with her support. For her senior project, Amayah chose to make desserts from five global regions with a goal to take her baked goods out into the community, but she didn’t know which cause to help with the proceeds. She does now. Amayah will hold a bake sale for her father from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Minglement.
As much as cancer has shaken Royer’s world, his mental outlook seems trained on the positive and infused with gratitude. He said he realized that odd as it might sound, he sees parts of cancer as a blessing, specifically in the outpouring of help and love from his friends and community.
“I don’t know how common it is to have a comedy night to help fight cancer,” added Royer “but hey, everything helps. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.”
