Hey, folks.

If we’ve ever met, you probably know how important it is for me to be able to entertain people and make them laugh and forget their troubles, as I have, faithfully, for over 50 years.

Over the last few years, it has become increasingly more challenging to do this well, as my ability to hear their stories (everyone has one) and communicate while performing has been seriously handicapped.

My big ears don’t work so well lately.

Again and again, Medicare has denied funds for surgery, treatment, cochlear implants or high end hearing aid options, and the specialists at UCLA have finally determined that I am no longer served by the standard Costco brand hearing aids, even their high end models, programmed by well meaning technicians, but without any medical background or ability to truly fine tune what my severe disability requires.

To constantly be left out of conversations is not only maddening, but it is affecting my ability to make a decent living as well.

The appliances that have been prescribed for me by the UCLA medical center physicians would be designed specifically for my unique physicality and disability.

They are big ol' ugly things, but frankly, I would strap a couple of Coors Lite cans on my head if they would help me to be a part of conversations again.

I have tried one on, and the difference between what I now have in my ears and the device that they are proposing is staggering.

Sadly, so is the price.

This would, however, make a huge impact in my quality of life and I believe it would, in turn, assist me in continuing my mission to bring happy (and even 'magical’) experiences to myriad audiences for years to come.

May I respectfully request your assistance in making 'El Ropo’ hear the world in which we live, once again?

Sincerest thanks to of you all who may be able and/or willing to donate, from this silly, old school comedian and unrepentant ne’er do well. (-;