Son Fights Against Breast Cancer, Pain of Mother's Death With Laughter

"Heartbroken and Hopeful" is how Mike Hull signs off on his e-mail messages.

That is because the Royal Oak man, 27, is spending the first anniversary of his mother's death Sunday, Oct. 14, preparing for a breast cancer awareness fundraiser next weekend at Farina's Banquet Center in Berkley.

"Over the last few years while my mom was sick and since she passed away fundraising has been my outlet to release the pain and anger," Hull wrote in an e-mail to Berkley Patch. "I fundraise to keep myself okay, because I do not want to hear that another mother has lost their battle to this disease. By fundraising it gives me hope that one day out world will be cancer free!"

The Ha-Ha’s For Ta-Ta’s (Fighting Cancer With Comedy) fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 20, will honor Hull's mother, Jean Ann Vuichard of Oak Park. It will feature six comedians, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle and silent auction.

"This October my goal is to raise $11,111.13 for the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Fund," Hull said. "This amount is in honor of my mother who should be here to celebrate her 48th birthday with us on 1/11/13."

Farina's is donating all of the food and services for the Ha-Ha's For Ta-Ta's fundraiser and all ticket sales will go toward the cause, according to Hull.

"We need the whole community to fight back against breast cancer to make a big difference. The money that is raised from our event will impact many lives by allowing the American Cancer Society to fund research, programs and services," Hull wrote. "Some local services that this event will help fund include providing rides to treatment for cancer patients, hosting special classes called Look Good ... Feel Better to help women adjust to life after cancer and the donations from this event will also help fund the 24-hour/7-day-a-week cancer information hot line 800-227-2345."

An estimated 288,130 new cases of breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women during 2011 in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. (Visit the American Cancer Society's breast cancer page or see the attached PDF for more information about the disease.)

"I fight for all of the other women who are currently fighting the most important battle of their lives," Hull said. "I also fight for the women who tomorrow morning will walk into a doctor’s office without a care in the world and will leave as a breast cancer patient."

If you go

• When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
• Where: Farina's Banquet Center
• Cost: $15 for general seating or $20 for reserved table seating. Tickets are available at Farina's or on the American Cancer Society website.
• Why go: The fundraiser will feature six comedians, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, raffle and silent auction.
• What else: The recommended age for this show is 18 and up unless a parent is present. Call Mike Hull at 248-828-5940, e-mail WeNeedTheCure@yahoo.com or visit the event's Facebook page for more information and to RSVP.