#United States #New York #Comedy vs Cancer #Memorial Sloan Kettering #Nick Kroll

Comedy vs Cancer Shines Again at Jazz at Lincoln Center

On May 16, 2025, a remarkable event unfolded at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall — the annual Comedy vs Cancer benefit show. This one-night-only extravaganza brought together some of the most celebrated names in comedy, uniting their talents for a noble cause. The event aimed to support blood cancer research at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and successfully raised an astounding $2.3 million to advance life-saving research.

The evening was hosted by the ever-charismatic Nick Kroll, who has been a driving force behind the event since its inception. Joined by fellow comedic giants like Seth Meyers, Amy Schumer, and John Mulaney, the lineup was a powerhouse of talent, each bringing their unique flair to the stage to advocate for blood cancer research.

This year’s comedy show also honored Carrie Goldberg, acknowledging her tireless commitment to promoting advancements in oncology. Her philanthropic endeavors have played a crucial role in the event’s success, which not only aims to provide laughter but also to instill hope in individuals and families grappling with cancer.

In a heartfelt statement, Kroll remarked, “Laughter has a way of cutting through the heavy stuff and is a great unifier. Raising money to fund research for rare blood cancers can still be joyful, and we dedicate each year of Comedy vs. Cancer to doing just that.”

The funds raised from this event are particularly significant, as they directly support groundbreaking efforts at MSK to improve outcomes for patients with various blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This disease is the most prevalent type of leukemia among children and is marked by the abnormal growth of white blood cells in the body. Last year’s proceeds enabled MSK researchers to initiate a pioneering clinical trial aimed at evaluating whether chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy can target ALL without the use of chemotherapy, a promising advancement for a challenging diagnosis.

Dr. Ivan Maillard, Head of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies at MSK, emphasized the significance of Comedy vs Cancer by stating, “The support the event generates fuels groundbreaking research and accelerates new treatments we couldn't advance otherwise. It’s a celebration with real, lasting impact.”

Since its launch in 2019, Comedy vs Cancer has collectively raised more than $7 million, with contributions from esteemed sponsors like Esquire Bank, Kreindler & Kreindler, K2 Integrity, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. These partnerships highlight the widespread commitment to fighting cancer and support for initiatives that deepen understanding and treatment of the disease.

As Comedy vs Cancer continues to grow, it not only delivers comedic relief but also serves as a testament to the power of community and creativity in making a difference. Attendees were not just spectators but active participants in a movement that weaves laughter with purpose, fostering hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.

For those who couldn’t attend, the impact of this event resonates far beyond the stage, demonstrating the unity of talent and philanthropy in battling cancer. Let’s continue to support endeavors like Comedy vs Cancer that remind us of the joy that can emerge even in darkest times — laughter truly is powerful, especially when it inspires change.

For more information about the remarkable work being done at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, visit their website at MSKCC.