Kyle Smith

At 5 years old, Kyle lost his grandpa to kidney cancer. He didn’t know what cancer was then, nor could he foresee the impact it would have on his life. 19 years later Kyle’s father would be diagnosed with prostate cancer and in another 3 years the same doctor who performed his dad’s life saving surgery would also remove Kyle’s cancerous right testicle.

While Kyle may have lost his ability to become a professional juggler (it’s not very impressive to juggle with only one ball) what he gained is a new mission in life. Utilizing his Directing degree from Columbia College Chicago & now thirteen years of art department experience in LA, Kyle founded CHECK 15: The Monthly Cancer Awareness Day. From December 2012 through June 2019, he achieved 68 straight months of new cancer awareness PSAs, fighting cancer through early detection & lowering risk – all delivered with a healthy dose of humor.

Over the past two years, Kyle has been on the Leadership Team for the Los Angeles Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society & has produced the video content for their annual fundraising event. He also continues to work in the entertainment industry & stays creative at home with art & carpentry projects – including creating a backyard cinema so he & his friends can safely enjoy a big screen experience during the pandemic.