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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Comedian Andy Bumatai during a Jan. 28 interview in Mililani. The 62-year-old Bumatai said on YouTube that he was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue and in lymph nodes on the side of his neck.
Hawaii comedian Andy Bumatai took to social media today to tell the world he has cancer but urged fans not to worry because it was a highly treatable form of the disease.
The 62-year-old Bumatai said on YouTube that he was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue and in lymph nodes on the side of his neck.
Of course, Bumatai couldn’t resist poking fun at all of it.
“Yeah, it’s the base of my tongue — how ironic is that?” he said. “It’s like the gods are telling me to shut up. And it’s in my lymph nodes here on the side of my neck. Lymph nodes. Doesn’t that sound like a band that would open for Coldplay?”
Bumatai said his prognosis is good because the cancer he has responds well to treatment and does not typically spread to other parts of the body.
But Bumatai, who does a daily pidgin video that he posts on YouTube, told fans that for the next four months he will be dealing with chemotherapy and radiation that might interrupt his posting schedule.
He asked that in lieu of sympathy, well wishers help someone in need.
“Instead of typing a message on a social media site, actually help someone,” he said. “Buy a homeless guy a hamburger or help a kid tie his shoe or let someone have that parking space you both got to at the same time.”
His reasoning for this? It will put more goodness in the world, Bumatai said.
“The more goodness we can put out there the more goodness we can all share,” he said. “And maybe I will pick up on a little of it.”
Agree. A lot more GOODNESS needs to be spread. Andy, a positive attitude will help immensely in your recovery. Stay strong.
Well said kiragirl. Best wishes to Andy.
Yep, pay it forward.
And keep up the humor!
I hope he gets well but not sure why a private medical situation needs to be in the news.
He’s a local star who chose to make something private become public. I’m glad I heard about this. He’s one of my all-time favorites. Good luck to him in his battle with the C.
Something share to help others and so they are not in shock when something happens.
You still don’t understand the Aloha of the people of Hawaii and their culture. We truly care for one another in Hawaii whether we still reside there or not. Bumatai has offered a lot of laughter to Hawaii and for that we all thank him. You are never accepted within a culture until you accept and understand the uniqueness of the people. Jimmyhouae67@aol.com
Jimmyhouse67@aol.com
AOL huh, that’s some old school. I heard most of the posters on SA were old people, I guess it’s true.
Best to you Andy! In the face of adversity your message reflects your character. Keep your chin up.
I will do one or more of those things for you, Andy. Meanwhile, you go and kick it’s azz.
LAUGHTER will cure any disease and this fabulous personality will surely overcome this dreaded sickness.
Andy…you are the man! God Bless and quick recovery!
A homeless guy would refuse the hamburger, and demand money instead.
Best wishes Andy! Good humor and laughter is food for all. Get well!
I love his comment, that the gods are telling him to shut up. Sometimes his jokes just hit certain people at home. I don’t care for his jokes, but as a person he is good. God bless you and hope all goes well.
i get you andy gotta spread some more aloha in this aina
Good attitude to beat the big C… Best wishes to you Andy!!
Brother Andy will fight through this.
Kick Kimo, Ra’s Okole Andy!!!
classy andy!
Don’t know if Mr. Bumatai is a smoker or not but cancer of the tongue is often the effects of smoking. If so, then he should be warning the public, especially youngsters, of the dangers of smoking. If I’m wrong, then my sincere apologies to him and wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Hoping for the best, braddah Andy. A speedy recovery for you.
Fight da kine C Andy, so you can be mor beta. Best wishes Andy. May the good lord be with you.
Please tell your State Representatives to support funding for UH Cancer Center. More than 6,000 Hawaii residents get diagnosed with cancer each year. Best wishes Andy for successful treatment and complete recovery. Cancer does not discriminate and can strike anyone.
If anyone can handle some intense Kimo Therapy and follow up Ray-D-Asuncion it’s you Andy. Hurry back, the world needs more like you.
Lol, Kimo Therapy and Ray D Asuncion. Andy would appreciate the pidgin humor.
Kimo Therapy is from Andy’s video.
Doh–I need to keep up on the new stuff. But classic Andy is totally insightful and inspiring!
Get well Andy!!! You are such a gracious person and we need more people on our islands to think like you. We wish you the best and a steady road to full recovery.
Good Luck Andy and best wishes to you. Hawaii could use more people like you.
God Bless you Andy … you provided me w/ many a laugh … I’ll buy a homeless person a burger …
Andy Bumata is a legendary entertainer. His humor may not be fully appreciated by all but it’s uniquely Hawaiian as is the Aloha he shares with this message. Mahalos Andy and keep it coming.