Wendy's Causes
Causes Close To My Heart
weSPARK CANCER CENTER
Founder Wendie Jo Sperber was an actress, mother and breast cancer warrior. When she was diagnosed in 1997, she was devastated, yet determined to live. She soon realized that although the physical treatment was difficult, the hardest battle was to be fought on the emotional front. Wendie’s dream was to open an independently-run cancer support center in a home-like setting. In the fall of 2001, she opened weSPARK and her dream came true. weSPARK is a special place dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients, their families and friends.
A friend of mine has used their facilities and it has transformed his journey with cancer from terrifying to manageable.
FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disease.
Muscular dystrophies are marked by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in the biochemical, physical, and structural components of muscle, and the death of muscle cells and tissue.
FSHD gets its name because the progressive loss of skeletal muscle is usually noticeable across facial (facio), back (scapula), and upper arm (humeral) muscles.
My friend lives with FSH.
THE NEXT BENEFIT IS: October 21, 2018, Cicada Club, LA
TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS ALLIANCE
TSC is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in various organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin and lungs. It’s also the leading genetic cause of both epilepsy and autism.
Actor Jim O’Heir invited me to perform one year and I was hooked. Other’s on the comedy committee are Mo Collins, Alex Skuby, Shane Brady, Craig Shoemaker, Kate Flannery.
THE NEXT BENEFIT IS: April 7, Universal, LA
CONCERT FOR AMERICA
https://www.concertsforamerica.com
On January 20, 2017, husbands Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley produced the first edition of Concert for America at The Town Hall in New York City, with the intent of going around the country every month for the foreseeable future with the same mission: to raise money and infuse our fellow Americans with hope and inspiration and the desire to become more active citizens.
https://www.concertsforamerica.com
Federal ID number is 47-5299128.
I performed at the fifth one, held in LA at Royce Hall, along with Rachel Bloom, Helen Reddy, Melissa Manchester, Marissa Janet Winokur, Chita Rivera, etc.
Causes Close To My Family & Friends
GRAND STREET SETTLEMENT
https://www.grandsettlement.org
The settlement house model came to New York 100 years ago, connecting New Yorkers to opportunities that inspire, providing services that keep families strong, and introducing programs that bring communities closer. Together, we have led bold charges for change, worked to overcome obstacles like isolation and exclusion, and fought to dismantle injustices and broken systems.
ANIMAL HAVEN
https://www.animalhavenshelter.org
Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area, and provides behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption. Founded in 1967, we operate an animal shelter in Manhattan. We also provide programs that enhance the bond between animals and people.er.org/
HEARTS OF GOLD
Working in partnership with homeless mothers and their children, Hearts of Gold helps them create positive, sustainable change in their lives under three umbrella programs: Intervene, Support and Sustain. We engage with the moms and kids we serve to help them gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to be able to transition out of the shelter system and become fully independent and productive members of society.
POOR PEOPLE’S UNITED FUND
The Poor People’s United Fund is a Boston-based organization that works to eliminate the causes of suffering due to poverty. PPUF advocates and educates in order to change the policies and perceptions that lead to that suffering.
ROSIE’S PLACE
Rosie's Place was founded in 1974 as the first women’s shelter in the United States. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives.