I'm reprising the 2011 article below because its author, Lori Hope is in hospice today. She wrote a book, 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know. One of the key reminders is: They want to laugh. Let's send an avalanche of laughter to ease her pain and thank her for the articles and support on the Good News Network. Please send your funniest jokes and cartoons — post them today on her Facebook page, or at her blog, Lorihope.com. We love you Ms. Hope.

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It's not just an "old adage" that tells us laughter is the best medicine these days. Scientists, doctors, mental health professionals, and patients themselves call humor a remedy for any ailment — at least temporarily.

Several studies show that humor builds hope, and hope is particularly crucial to people with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Author and journalist, Lori Hope, drew from a very personal challenge — her own cancer diagnosis — to create a practical guide for people who want to comfort and support a friend with cancer, but don't know what to say.

In a survey of more than 600 survivors, Hope says the #1 statement that people with cancer want others to know is, "I need to laugh – or just forget about cancer for a while."

And, this is where you come in…

She's started compiling a humor resource list and needs our help. Will you please contribute your best ideas to the list of funny movies, links to videos or cartoon, and jokes — all designed to help people "laugh or forget for a while".

Check out the page at LoriHope.com and leave your favorites at the bottom of the page with your suggestions in the comments section: Lorihope.com/helpmelive/to-laugh/

For more tips on how to deal with cancer, consult her book, 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know.