Josh Gropper’s younger brother, Danny, is a quadruple amputee burn survivor. Josh witnesses Danny using comedy each and every day in various ways to help diffuse what he describes as “the elephant in the room” and as a tool for self-coping. Using his innate comic abilities, Danny can effectively place others at ease and look beyond his burns at the person beneath.

Scientific studies have shown a direct correlation between the use of humor and the diminishment of pain. In addition to easing tension and comforting others, comedy has been shown to help in various other medical and psychological ways, including combatting fear, reducing stress, and even boosting the immune system. Some hospitals now use “Comedy Rooms,” which encourage patients to use humor to recover from any illness/injury. During this session, you will learn how humor has benefitted one survivor’s healing journey, hear from a burn surgeon on the power of comedy in the medical setting, and gain insight into the psychological benefits of humor in healing. We encourage the audience to share their stories about how comedy has impacted their healing. 

While this program aims to focus on the healing power of comedy, we recognize that it may not be for everyone. 

This event is brought to you by the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).