Finding Hope in Humor: How Laughs 4 Life is Transforming Cancer Care in the Pine Belt
When Kent Oliver was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015, humor was not high on his priority list. Between the physical toll of cancer and the emotional weight of navigating treatment with a young family, joy was hard to come by. “I had two young daughters, a six-month-old and a two-year-old,” he recalls. “I was dealing with a lot of pain, a lot of unexplained things honestly that ultimately lead us down a path that was tough to get to the bottom of.”
From Setback to Spotlight
In the spring of 2016, what started as a conversation with a friend during his recovery from a stem cell transplant became something bigger than he could have imagined: a way to bring joy not just back into his own home, but into an entire community battling cancer.
That conversation sparked what would become Laughs 4 Life, an annual comedy event in Hattiesburg. Since its founding in the summer of 2016, the event has raised over $1.2 million to support organizations changing the way cancer is treated and experienced in Mississippi.
“As I was recovering from the stem cell transplant and ultimately had that recognition of how little laughter had been part of our lives for several months following diagnosis,” Kent explains. “What can we do to really bring laughter back into our lives – the lives of our families, for our friends and for others. At the same time, what can we do to provide gratitude towards a community that we’re apart of that’s been so supportive of us, but also so supportive of so many people that deal with a similar circumstance?” Now heading into its ninth year, the event continues to blend comedy and hope – bringing the community together in laughter for a night of purpose-driven entertainment.
Real World Impact
A major beneficiary of Laughs 4 Life is Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, where Kent has received care since his diagnosis. John S. “Bo” Hrom, MD, FACP, a physician and Oncology Clinical Trials Director at Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, recalls the early days of their connection: “It was pretty difficult diagnosing [Kent], it took us a while because it is an uncommon cancer in people who are young. Thankfully, we were able to clench a diagnosis, and get Kent on treatment, and he’s done wonderfully since that time.”
Together, Dr. Hrom and Kent have seen firsthand how the event’s funding is driving tangible change. From providing navigators and equipment to supporting educational tools and clinical trials, the dollars raised are not just symbolic, they are operational.
“Laughs 4 Life has been such an important part of our clinical trial program. Because of their support, we’ve been able to streamline our processes, ease regulatory burdens and provide our staff with much-needed equipment.” Hrom said.
“Our goal from the beginning was to bring cutting-edge trials to patients who otherwise might not have access,” Hrom continued. “Most clinical trials are only offered in large academic centers, which many of our patients can’t afford to travel to. With the help of Laughs 4 Life, we’ve been able to grow this program year after year.”
Past contributions from Laughs 4 Life have included technology upgrades such as a high-quality printer, a new EKG machine and, most recently, an AI-powered early cancer detection software. This system scans radiology images (X-rays, CT, MRI) and highlights possible signs of cancer, and it enables faster treatment planning.
“After attending the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting and connecting with AI companies, we’ve now implemented AI technology that helps us find patients we might have previously missed,” Hrom explained. “Now we can match patients to clinical trials not only from within our oncology clinic, but from other primary care settings across Hattiesburg Clinic as well. That means more patients can stay close to home while receiving access to the latest treatments.”
In the past year, the clinic has grown trial enrollment from about 10 to 20 patients annually to 56 and expects to enroll 80 to 100 patients this year. At any given time, the clinic offers 15 to 20 active clinical trials, ranging from supportive care studies to trials involving the newest investigational cancer drugs. “We’re now offering treatments that wouldn’t otherwise be available locally,” Hrom said. “Patients who don’t have the time or financial means to travel can now participate in trials right here in Hattiesburg.”
More Than a Show
The event provides more than a distraction. It is a moment for laughter and smiles for those experiencing cancer. Kent shares that when you take it a step further and think about what the beneficiaries have been able to do with funding they’ve received and what that means for the clinic, they have been able to do truly meaningful things.
One of the most poignant reminders of the event’s impact is a sidewalk mural at the Cancer Center bearing a simple but powerful message: You Are Not Alone. Painted in memory of a beloved patient and friend of Kent Oliver, the mural is a daily reminder to every person walking through those doors that community and care go hand in hand.
2025 Event Details
The 9th annual Laughs 4 Life will take place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Historic Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg. This year’s performers include headliner Derrick Stroup with special guests Brian Bates and Andrew Stanley.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit laughs4life.com.
“There are so many people that are cheering you on but also empathizing and sympathizing with those who are experiencing these things – that’s a really powerful thing,” Kent said. “Reminding folks of that through Laughs 4 Life is something I’m proud of, but also something I continue to see us trying to evolve and just remind folks that we are truly a unique community.”
Watch Kent and Dr. Hrom’s full interview here.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology:
Hattiesburg Clinic offers compassionate care for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Our experienced team of oncologists and hematologists offer the latest treatment options and participates in national research, providing hope to our patients and their families. Every treatment plan is designed with your unique diagnosis and goals in mind, focused on prolonging and improving the quality of your life.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
