Joe yannetty

For Yannetty, a Boston-based comedian since , gratitude was best expressed by doing what he does best: taking the stage.

Photo by Joe Yannetty in

His cousin had been treated at Dana-Farber 15 years ago for leukemia , and recently became a grandmother. When asked the best thing about his care in Londonderry during spring , Yannetty answers quickly. Frederick M. Briccetti, my oncologist, always knew what was coming next and prepared me for it. The nurses, radiation techs — everybody was just amazing.

In addition to the warmth he received, Yannetty says his own skills helped him during the toughest times. His brother and girlfriend were constantly by his side. And while Yannetty was initially concerned about permanently losing his voice, and with it his career, he was soon ready for his first time back on stage — in a very special performance.

It was great to see them laughing along with me. But what he is, at heart, is a story teller. The way he was able to put together that account of his life-changing experience clearly helped him heal. It was cathartic for us, who helped him through. It was also incredibly funny. Yannetty agrees, and when he returned to the regular comedy circuit last fall he kept some of his new material about cancer treatment in the act.

Published: July 13, Updated: May 24,