To donate or not to donate...

I read about Max and his need for a kidney on the SF Comedy Board, my one-stop shop for all local funny news. I was one click away from sending Max an email telling him I would gladly donate my kidney to him, when my 1% rational brain kicked in and said, "Check with girlfriend first." This was the first time I had heard from my rational brain in a while, so I drafted my text until further discussion could ensue.

F.Y.I.
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Dear Friends of comedian Max Alexander,

Max has been quietly fighting Chronic Kidney Disease for the last four years. He is currently on kidney dialysis three days a week and searching for a match kidney donor. We can no longer be silent about what our friend is going through.

Max's kidney failure has also ravaged his finances. He can no longer work until they find him a new kidney. He is left with mounting bills, his enormous talent and his pride. We have discussed the idea of holding a benefit, but Max is embarrassed by the whole concept.


Therefore, we are starting a grassroots effort to help our friend who has defined the virtues of being big-hearted and generous over the years.

We encourage you to write a check to Max to help with his finances. We all need to take care of our own in this creative community.

We are doing this on our own without Max's knowledge because we are not going to let his pride get in the way of his literal survival. We love him too much for that to happen.

Please send what you can to:

Max Alexander
12009 Hoffman St. #204
Studio City, CA 91604

We leave you with two thoughts:

1. Please spread the word. We know Max has many friends and fans out there, so please pass along this note where appropriate.

2. If you, or someone you know, would be willing to be tested as a match kidney donor for Max, please contact him at the following email
address: maxalexander@ earthlink. net

If you have any questions, you may contact either of us via email or phone:

Rick Joyce — 310-925-8033 — Rick_joyce@cogencyc enter.com

Kevin Gershan — 818-216-9321 — Kevin.gershan@ cbsparamount. com