While performing the role of Corny Collins in an extended run of Hairspray in Reno, Nevada, Edward became alarmed at the rapid growth of a small lump under his arm that had swelled to the size of a large grapefruit. Upon his return to NYC he was shortly after diagnosed with Rare-Enlarged B-Cell Burkitt’s-like Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Four rounds of failed chemo, thirty days of radiation, countless biopsies, a stem-cell transplant, and two hospitals later he was declared “cancer free”.
From his time as a “professional cancer patient”, Edward has taken his experiences and turned them into therapeutic outreach mediums including a book he authored entitled “Cancer, Musical Theatre, & Other Chronic Illnesses” (see link below) which is now live as a podcast and interview series wherever you listen to podcasts. He is also the creator and a cast member of BariToned, a farcical concert trio of strapping, and tall baritones who sing and dance their way through mash-ups and medleys of Broadway’s leading ladies.
Edward is now dipping his toes back into the songwriter life, as inspired by his time with Jim Ebert and the rest of the Cancer Can Rock team. Forever grateful… and mindful that…
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”