The Church of the Incarnation will host Philadelphia comedian Joe Conklin on Saturday, April 20 to help pay for a miracle.
Parish alter server Christina McNasby suffers from Sensenbrenner syndrome, also known as Cranioectodermal dysplasia and CED. It’s a genetic disease that can lead to brain issues, as well as facial, skeletal, ectodermal, renal, liver and connective tissue abnormalities, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
One of the goals of the comedy event is to raise funds for the 24-year-old McNasby to get to the holy site in Lourdes, France, where it is believed miracles occur, according to Dave Stever, a Knights of Columbus member.
He explained that McNasby has endured 35 surgeries to treat the fatal syndrome, which was expected to take her life as a child. But Stever also described her as a selfless person who always thinks of and prays for others.
“I’m new to the parish and she’s just an amazing person,” Stever noted. “She’s always praying for everyone else and always helps those in need … Most babies with the disease die in infancy, and she’s managed to make it to 24.
“She’s such a strong person and a beautiful person.”
Stever hopes to attract about 400 people for the show; approximately 150 tickets are already gone. The event is also a fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus.
Conklin was booked for the event based on what Stever knew about him from others. The comedian’s career spans more tan 30 years, according to his website, and he is a constant on Philadelphia area radio stations such as WIP. He has appeared on “Good Day Philadelphia,” “NBA on TNT” and “NFL Films Presents.”.
Conklin also does standup and is best known for his impressions of various celebrities and political figures, including women. Among them are Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, Elizabeth Warren and former 76ers Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson. The event will also include local comedians Norm Klar and Brandon Doneagan.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. show at the church’s Kernan Center can be purchased online at Ticket Leap, at the church office or by calling Stever at (856) 230-0983.
