<div>Maya Manion is a highly respected comedian and joke writer amongst all of her peers in the New England comedy scene as well as countless national headliners she has worked with. In addition to her job as a comedian, she also works a second job at Midtown Oyster Bar full time. She has long balanced both jobs in order to provide for her three children, who are the most important and focal part of her life. Last week, Maya and two of her children suffered the unexpected and unspeakable loss of their beloved son and older brother, Van.
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<div>Not only does Maya now have the unexpected costs associated with a funeral, she also may be out of work for a period of time as she struggles to cope with this brutal loss. She does not know when she will be ready to perform again as a professional standup and that secondary income as a performer helps to provide for her family. Comedy’s health insurance and FMLA benefits are nonexistent.
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<div>As a regional comedy scene, now is the time we band together and show support to one of our own, lend a helping hand so Maya and family can get by for a bit.
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<div><strong>Bookers, show runners, club owners, comedians, national headliners, audience members, fans of Mayas jokes on Twitter, TIME TO STEP UP! Donate and share widely!</strong>
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<div>Van’s Obituary: 
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<div>Van Manion of Aquidneck Island passed away Sunday, February 12, 2024 in Middletown, RI.
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<div>Born January 21, 2000, Van was 24 years old.
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<div>A musician and creator, Van was passionate about his own brand of unique studio music. Known by his pseudonym – ‘Big Kitty The Don’ and often referred to as ‘Kitty’ His burgeoning catalogue included solo and collaborative efforts with artists from different backgrounds throughout the country.
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<div>Van was known for his kindness, sense of humor and unique sense of style.
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<div>He was also active in – and expressed himself through – the bicycling, skateboarding, and surfing communities on both the east and west coast.
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<div>Van is survived by an extensive family from Vermont, Pennsylvania, California, New York, and his birthplace in Rhode Island. His siblings-Gavin and Keely, mother Maya and father Mac invite his friends and well wishers to remember him by raising awareness and embracing self care and prevention.
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