I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the power of saying yes since putting this fundraiser together.
It’s such a simple word—three letters, one syllable—but it can crack open whole new worlds. Especially when you say it even though you’re terrified. Or maybe because you’re terrified.
That’s how I felt when Ken asked me to run lights and sound for his one-man show, My Foot Left.
Let’s be clear: I had zero experience doing anything like that. My tech résumé at the time consisted of knowing where the light switches were and being able to press play on a boombox without breaking a sweat.
So, of course, I said yes.
Because of Ken's sparkle, he made “yes” feel less like a risk and more like an adventure. (As I would learn a little later, everything with Ken was an adventure of the best kind!) He didn’t push, but he inspired. He believed in people so fiercely that it made you start to believe in yourself. Or at the very least, made you want to rise to the occasion so you didn’t let him down.
And here’s the thing: saying yes didn’t magically make me good at lights and sound. (There may have been a few rogue lighting cues and questionable volume levels—sorry, Ken.) But it made me part of something magical. It gave me a front-row seat (well, more like a back-of-the-theater folding chair) to the story of someone I loved and admired deeply, and the chance to help bring it to life.
That “yes” turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Ken always said, “Enjoy the journey.” Not in that saccharine, stitched-on-a-pillow kind of way—but as a real invitation to be present, to be open, to be willing. Even when it’s hard. Even when you feel wildly underqualified. Even when you’re scared.
Especially when you’re scared.
So here’s my reminder to you (and to myself): say yes. Say it even when your voice shakes. Say it even when you don’t know what comes next. Because the best parts of life—the meaningful parts, the joyful parts, the stories you’ll tell decades later—are often hiding just on the other side of yes.
Say yes to joining us for the digital premiere of My Foot Left. Say yes to honoring Ken’s story, his humor, his resilience, and his giant heart. And if you’re able, say yes to donating in his memory—because your gift helps keep his light shining and supports those still navigating their own cancer journeys.
⚡️Lights up.
🔊Sound on.
👏Let’s go.
📅 RSVP for the Digital Premiere on September 21 by donating any amount to the American Cancer Society today.
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