Comedian Kyle Grooms of Perth Amboy has brought the joy of laughter to countless thousands.
Now, fans, friends and celebs are repaying the favor.
Grooms recently went into a Miami hospital to remove a malignant brain tumor. He didn't have health insurance, and now everyone from Perth Amboy locals to celebs like Amy Schumer and Kevin Hart are contributing to a Grooms' GoFundMe to help defray the costs.
"The generosity so far has been so overwhelming," said Grooms to the USA Today Network New Jersey. "I can't believe the comedy community, the Perth Amboy community, they all rallied for me. My friends, damn. I didn’t know the love was real — it’s unbelievable."
More than $80,000 has been raised so far. Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Judd Apatow, Michael Che, Leslie Jones and Russell Peters have donated, Grooms said.
Closer to home, Perth Amboy comedian Ron Snipes put the word out on his social media.
"Friends and family, show your love and support for my cousin Kyle Grooms as he recovers from brain surgery," Snipes posted. "He is young but he is STILL HERE!!"
He moved down to Miami from Perth Amboy with his family three years ago. Recently, he was having problems with his motor skills and temperament. Then he had a seizure in a restaurant.
"It was in the front left lobe, which controls my speech and communication and motor skills and that's how I make my living," Grooms said. "The doctors said it could have been in there my whole life but once it started bleeding, then it becomes a problem."
"We just hope for the best, hope it doesn’t come back," Grooms said. "I got a titanium plate in my head."
A recent medical bill before the brain tumor caused Grooms to reconsider his insurance.
"I let my insurance lapse about a month and a half ago because I needed colonoscopy and they wanted me to play $2,500 of a $3,500 bill," Grooms said. "I was, man, I’ll find some other options but then I got caught in that gray space."
The bill for the brain tumor hospital stay will be expensive.
"When I was in the hospital, every time they gave me a pill, a blanket, they were scanning my wrists like I was at Target," Grooms said. "There was a barcode on my wrist. Those MRIs and CAT scans, they add up."
A benefit show for Grooms is set for Friday, March 29 at the Miami Light Box in Miami.
Grooms, Class of '87, played varsity football at Perth Amboy High School and was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2013. He lives in Miami with his wife and two young children.
"It's overwhelming, to be honest," said Grooms of the support he's received. "I welled up. I’ve been crying all week. I'm emotional."