When I first had the idea to bring Ken’s one-man show, My Foot Left, back to life as a digital premiere and fundraiser, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. Honestly, it felt a little like agreeing to run sound and lights for the original production back in 2002—I was excited, terrified, and very aware of just how much I didn’t know.

What I did know was this: Ken’s story mattered then, and it still matters now. His humor, his grit, and his light carried him through cancer and amputation as a teenager, and somehow, he managed to turn that into art that made people laugh and cry in the same breath. I wanted to share that with the world again, especially on what would have been his 60th birthday.

Putting this fundraiser together was a mix of logistics, emotions, and a lot of learning on the fly. There were late nights setting up YouTube premieres, fiddling with sound quality, writing emails, and re-learning what goes where on social media. But behind all the to-do lists was this steady heartbeat: love. Love for Ken. Love for the friends and family who rallied around me with donations, stories, and encouragement. Love for the cause we were supporting—the fight against cancer.

And then came premiere night.

I wasn’t sure how it would feel when the video started. Would it hurt? Would it feel too raw? Would it dredge up memories I wasn’t ready to face? Instead, what happened was something beautiful: it felt like being surrounded by Ken and by all of you. Even through a computer screen, I felt the warmth, the laughter, and the tears shared across states and time zones.

I keep the chat during the premiere alive with memories, encouragement, and the kind of humor Ken himself would have loved. It was more than a fundraiser—it was a gathering of hearts. Watching the comments roll in as the show unfolded was like being in a theater again, hearing the laughter ripple through the audience, catching the sniffles during the quiet moments.

Sharing this with the people I love—both those who knew Ken and those meeting him for the first time—was the gift I didn’t know I needed. It reminded me that while Ken’s life ended too soon, his story and spirit still ripple outward. Every donation, every memory shared, every replay watched is proof of that.

I’m deeply grateful. To everyone who gave. To everyone who watched. To everyone who helped keep Ken’s light burning a little brighter.

This experience has been healing for me in ways I didn’t anticipate. It has also been a reminder that when we share our stories—even the hard ones—they create bridges. They connect us. They make us feel less alone.

Ken used to say, “Enjoy the journey.” That night, I did. And I hope you did, too.

Thank you for walking this part of the journey with me.

If you missed the live premiere, watch it here. Feel free to share Ken’s light with whomever may need it. He’d love that.