SAUGUS — Local comedians Jerry Caruso and Carl Phillips are standing up for a cure for cancer.
Caruso, co-founder of the charitable organization Comics for a Cure, is a stand-up comedian from Lynn. Phillips is a popular opening act in Boston, who frequently performs for Comics for a Cure.
The comedians will perform a benefit show to support former Saugus resident Lisa Basler, who was diagnosed with stage four Angiosarcoma in January 2011.
“God has recently given the Basler family a little bit too much to deal with on their own, and anyone who knows Lisa and her family already know that if the roles were reversed, they would be the first ones to lend a helping hand,” said Caruso in a statement.
Angiosarcoma is a form of cancer that attacks the inner lining of the blood vessels. It started on Basler’s scalp and has spread to her abdomen, lungs, intestines, and brain.
Basler has endured many rounds of chemotherapy and has undergone several surgeries, which have included a complete hysterectomy, a double mastectomy, numerous spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations and removal of her right kidney.
When Basler’s cancer first metastasized, donations from her friends and family in Saugus were enough to pay for her medical bills, but the money has since run out, said Caruso in a statement.
Lisa is beginning new, more aggressive treatments. The estimated cost for the rest of the year, not covered by insurance, is more than $50,000.
The show will be held at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine in Lynn on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Donations can also be made online at Gofundme.com/lisasarmy.
