Jokes for Ashlee

Organization: rareACTION

Calling all jokesters and comedians! Have a favorite joke? Enjoy making your own jokes? Want to help make a difference in someone’s life? If you said yes to any of these questions, this event is just for you!

My name is Alyssa and I created the rare disease social media project called rareACTION. In a few days, I will be traveling to Washington DC to attend an advocacy event with a colorectal cancer group. I’m also a rare disease patient who has Familial Adenomatous Polyposis syndrome. While I’m visiting Washington DC, I will be meeting a child named Ashlee, who also has F.A.P syndrome.

Ashlee is six years old, and she has already faced major surgery to avoid colon cancer. I first learned of her story when I connected with her mom, Tiffany, through Facebook support groups for our disease. I was immediately inspired by Ashlee’s bravery and resilience!

Lately Ashlee has been in and out of the hospital, dealing with complications from F.A.P Syndrome. I’ve gotten to know Ashlee pretty well, and there are many things she loves. Hello Kitty, Disney characters (especially the princesses), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are just some of her favorite things. But jokes are her most favorite thing of all! Ashlee also likes to watch YouTube videos that I’ve made. This gave me an idea, but I’m going to need lots of help!

I want to show Ashlee that there are lots of people out there who are supporting her and cheering her on as she faces her disease, whether she is in the hospital or she’s doing great. A very wise person once said, “laughter is the best medicine!” Ashlee loves jokes, whether she’s the one making them or people are sharing them in Facebook support groups that her mom is a member of.

Here’s how you can help me:

1. Find your favorite joke (or make your own)- just make sure it’s appropriate for a 6 year-old.
2. Find a camera, webcam, or phone and record yourself telling the joke.
3. Send the video to [email protected]. Also include your first name and the town you live in (unless you don’t want this to be included in the video).
4. Share this event with all of your friends!
5. Stay tuned for the video! It will be on YouTube.

My goal is to collect at least 50 joke videos. But you can never have too many jokes! There is no deadline to send in your joke for the video either. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment on the Facebook page for this event or send me an email at [email protected]. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and I hope you have a great day!