Karen Mills to Perform Comedy Act at Franciscan Health Tickled Teal Women’s Event on June 6 in Franklin
Karen Mills, a nationally recognized comedian and ovarian cancer survivor, will be part of Franciscan Health Cancer Center’s Tickled Teal women’s education event on Thursday, June 6.
Tickled Teal will take place at the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Ind., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a panel discussion of women’s health topics and conclude with Mills performing a full comedy act.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited.
“Doing events like this is very special to me,” said Mills. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Even if you have not personally had it, you know someone who has. I was surprised at first, how well people responded to including my cancer story in my show and they were able to laugh and appreciate the levity I bring to the topic.”
The Tennessee native was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and within two weeks was in surgery to remove a large mass and two weeks after that, began six months of chemotherapy. From the outset, Mills had a “can-do” attitude and was focused on overcoming the disease.
“My first reaction was what do we do next and how do I get on the other side of this,” said Mills. “I wanted to get back to my life as soon as possible, so we have to do whatever needs to be done and do it in a hurry, because I am not going to sit in this and let cancer define who I am and what I do. That is what we did, we got right after it.”
Mills, who in the midst of a 100-show tour, will share her cancer story with humor. She appeared on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent and has also performed numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry. Mills can be heard regularly on Sirius/XM comedy channels.
“I always felt like there was a bigger picture for me,” said Mills of her cancer diagnosis. “What do I need to do with this to move forward and help other people. I immediately knew it was going to go into my show and I was going to talk about it. I was going to find humor in it and I was going to try to help other people through it. I felt like that was part of my calling to do that. I hope those in the audience who are affected by cancer, can see the value in the message and are able to find humor in it, along with surrounding themselves with positive people and doing all of the things they can to overcome this.”
Tina Ayeni, MD, gynecologic oncology surgeon with Franciscan Physician Network Gynecologic Oncology Specialists and Heidi Pierce, physical therapist with Franciscan Health will take part in the Q&A panel on ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers, as well as women’s pelvic health as part of the Tickled Teal event.
All guests will receive a free Vera Bradley Zip ID case, as well as an entry to win raffle prizes. Free soda or water, popcorn, and candy will be provided, as well as a glass of wine for those 21 and older.
Attendees who register by May 10 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a VIP Experience including a meet and greet photo opportunity with Karen at the event, appetizers in the green room, a swag bag and VIP event seating. See the registration form for complete details.
Register online here to attend Tickled Teal on Thursday, June 6.
(Please note, due to sensitive topics, this event is for women ages 18 and older.)
The Historic Artcraft Theatre is located at 57 North Main Street in Franklin.