Comedy show to benefit East Brunswick man, 18

EAST BRUNSWICK - A series of fundraisers to help Tommie Lukowski, an 18-year-old township resident recovering from cancer treatments, will begin with an April 27 comedy show at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick.

Tommie, who learned last fall that he had a malignant tumor in his arm, underwent three months of chemotherapy, and then 13 hours of surgery on Jan. 30.Along with removing his elbow joint, doctors took out part of his humerus bone and tricep, replacing them with a metal joint and muscle from his back. Once fully healed, he is expected to have 90 percent of his normal arm movement.

Though the surgery was successful, Tommie's doctors prescribed two new drugs and a round of stronger chemo, in an effort to ensure that if any cancer was left behind, it would be eradicated.

Robyn and Bob Herbst, close friends of the Lukowski family, have started a nonprofit organization to help with the mounting costs of medical bills for Tommie's ongoing treatment. Robyn said the family's medical bills amount to $100,000 or more, and are increasing by the day.

The event at the Stress Factory, 90 Church St., New Brunswick, will run from 5-7 p.m., and will include a comedy show and buffet, gift basket raffles and a 50/50. Tickets are $30. In order to book the event, organizers had to guarantee 150 ticket sales, and are hoping the community will come out to support the efforts.

Another opportunity to help Tommie will comeApril 29, when theMilltownApplebee's restaurant, 324 Ryders Lane, will host a "Dining to Donate" event. Patrons who present a flier for the event between 4 p.m. and closing time will have 10 percent of their check, minus liquor and tax, donated toward the Tommie Lukowski Special Fund.

Aspaghetti dinner at the parish hall of St. Bartholomew's Church, 460 Ryders' Lane, East Brunswick, is May 30 from 4:30-9 p.m.

For tickets, fliers for Applebee's or any other information, call the Herbsts at (732) 238-9252. For those who wish to make a donation, checks can be made out to Tommie Lukowski Special Fund in care of Bob Herbst and sent to 25 Channing Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.