“CANCER CAN BE FUN.” Come on, that’s a sick, unfunny statement made by comedians and ignorant people who think they are funny. However, there can be some truth in it.  Take, for example, “Humor, Heart And Hope: Laughter Through The Cancer Journey” to be presented on Tuesday, April 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s’ Emerson Auditorium, 232 S. Woods Mill Road. Internationally known and respected public speaker on humor, Michael Pritchard will provide a learning-filled, laughter–fueled look at how humor can enrich one’s life.  Pritchard’s hilarious and heartwarming humor inspires his audiences and helps them learn that a sense of humor is a key ingredient in living life well.

“Humor, Heart And Hope” is presented by Cancer Support Community of Greater St Louis (formerly The Wellness Community).  It is part of an international non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. This program, like all Cancer Support Community offerings, is free of charge. To register call Cancer Support Community at 314-238-2000 or sign up on line at www.cancersupportstl.org.

BRAVO ST. LOUIS is a chic, urban fundraising event  hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Section.  On Saturday, April 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. meet and greet Bravo Network’s Andy Cohen at FK Photo Studios and then cross the street to Bravo St. Louis at NEO, 2801 Locust Street, for delicious food and unique drinks, music and entertainment and an auction emceed by Andy. He, by the way, is a local boy and the son of Evelyn and Lou Cohen.

The purpose of Bravo St. Louis is to raise funds to support NCJW’s mission of helping women, children and families.  Event tickets at $150 per person are available by calling 314-993-5181 or on line at www.ncjwstl.org.  Co-chairs for the evening are Amy Spiegelglass Fischer and Susie Steinback Sachs.

“SHARING IS PAIRING” Thursday, April 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. is a benefit for the Metro Theatre Company to be held at the Moto Museum, 3441 Olive Street. Word of this event comes from Barbara Shuman who tells me, “This is going to be a delightful evening, with delicious cuisine from St. Louis’ top chefs, expertly paired wines provided and described by importer Flora Tersigini, live music by Good 4 the Soul, tempting silent auction items and scintillating conversation.”

Among the culinary delights to be presented are specialties from Café Provencal, Crabcakes Creative, Dooley’s Beef-n-Brew House, and Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas, paired with appropriate wine.

Tickets, at $75, are available at www.brownpapertickets.com.  All proceeds will benefit Metro Theatre Company, which creates professional theater, fosters an inclusive community and nurtures meaningful learning through the arts. Need more information? Call 314-997-6777 or visit www.metrotheatercompany.org.

MERLE MILLER is my idea of a winner. She is a selfless and generous volunteer. Merle has devoted over 10 years to the Gladys and Henry Crown Center for Senior Living whose mission is to provide affordable, quality living in a caring, secure, diverse and friendly atmosphere, honoring the Jewish tradition.

As president from 2004-2006, she helped create partnerships between Crown Center and other organizations to bring new and creative programs to the residents. Merle is the consummate leader, encouraging and cultivating younger people to assume responsible board roles. She is especially proud of Steven Rosenblum, former board president, whose mother, the late Myla Rosenblum, was president and a creative leader for years of both Crown Center and its long ago parent organization, the National Council of Jewish Women.

On Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Merle will be honored with the Jewel of the Crown Award at Crown Center,  8350 Delcrest Drive.

OUT OF 374 PROGRAMS from around the United States, College Bound STL is one of 10 selected for the upcoming publication, “blueprint for success.” Lisa Orden Zarin, the founder of College Bound STL, is its inspiration and prime mover. Starting with 40 students, there are now 400 kids in the program who never before had the opportunity to go to college. Big Mazel Tov Lisa.

ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET will perform the world premiere of “Square None” when Dance St. Louis presents the brilliant young company on April 13-14 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Don’t think pink tutus and dainty moves for this company. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is stark, sleek and explosive. 

“Square None” is choreographed by 23-year-old Norbert De La Cruz III, a recent graduate of the Julliard School. It was commissioned by St. Louis oncologist Dr. Dan Luedke as a gift for his wife, Dr. Susan Luedke.  Tickets to the ballet are available at the Dance St. Louis box office at 3547 Olive Street, or by calling 314-534-6622 or at dancestlouis.org.