Asbury Memorial Theatre’s performances of the musical, ‘The Story of My Life’ this past March, raised $11,500 in donations for Hospice Savannah’s Story Keeper's program and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, totaling $23,000. Asbury Memorial Theatre donated 100% of all proceeds from ticket sales as a generous supporter from Asbury Memorial donated all production costs.

Hospice Savannah has offered their Story Keeping program to preserve life stories for patients nearing their end of life. These records help create family legacies in Coastal Georgia. 

"When someone passes away, it is as if an entire library has closed its doors,” said Jamey Espina, Hospice Savannah's Vice President of Development and Community Services. “Since the 1990s, Hospice Savannah's Story Keeping program has been dedicated to recording and preserving these life stories, ensuring their legacy lives on."  

The Michael J. Fox Foundation was founded in 2000 by actor Michael J. Fox and has become the world’s largest nonprofit funding Parkinson’s research. 

“Over the years, our Team Fox community has creatively brought The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) mission to new friends. It’s a thrill to cheer on the community at Asbury Memorial Theatre who shares our common goal of accelerating a cure and improved therapies for the millions of people and families impacted by Parkinson's disease around the world,” said Stephanie Paddock, MJFF Vice President, Head of Community Fundraising and Events. 

‘The Story of My Life’ musical is based on the book by Brian Hill, featuring music and lyrics by Neil Bartram. The cast for the one act show consisted of two local actors, Ray Ellis and Mark Rand, who have both received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Kristen Kelso directed, with music direction by Keena Charbonneau. The musical was presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

“It was an honor to bring this story to life, and it was made even more special by sharing the stage with the talented Mark Rand, who is on his own journey with Parkinson’s,” said Ray Ellis. “We are deeply proud to have raised $23,000 for Hospice Savannah and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.”

‘The Story of My Life’ is a heartwarming and poignant musical, exploring the power of friendship and the influence of shared memories. The story follows two childhood best friends, Thomas Weaver, a successful but emotionally distant writer, and Alvin Kelby, a quirky and loyal small-town bookseller. As Thomas reflects on their complex relationship after Alvin's passing, he confronts moments of joy, regret, and love that shaped both their lives. With a two-person cast and a moving score, the musical offers a touching meditation on friendship, storytelling, and the human experience.  

To learn more about The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, visit https://www.michaeljfox.org/, or Hospice Savannah, visit https://www.hospicesavannah.org/.