Yes, Cedric ‘the Entertainer’ kyles is a comic, but sometimes, the acclaimed St. Louis celebrity couldn’t be more serious. Kyles lost his mother to cancer last summer, and ever since 2014, he has worked toward establishing a state-of-the-art women’s health center at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, where she was treated. The Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion, to be named for his mother, takes up the fifth and sixth floors of the hospital on Clayton Road and treats a wide range of women’s health issues from reproductive conditions and cancers to diabetes, depression, obesity and sports injury. The pavilion also serves as a resource, providing space for support groups and an auditorium for lectures. According to SSM Health, it will be one of the most comprehensive health centers in St. Louis. “It’s a beautiful facility, and I’m very proud to have my mother’s name on
it,” Kyles says. The hospital was eager to name the pavilion after a patient, but also someone who represented St. Louis values. Kyles’ mother worked in the Ferguson-Florissant School District for 25 years and raised him and his sister Sharita alone.
On Oct. 22, the third annual Evening with Cedric the Entertainer and Friends gala—taking place at Peabody Opera House—will raise funds for the hospital and feature a very special guest: This year, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will join Kyles for an evening of music and laughter. “We don’t want to beat people over the head with solemnness,” says Kyles. “We want the event to be uplifting … a celebration of life.”
For the third year running, the event will be presented by World Wide Technology Foundation and the Steward Family Foundation. “We are so grateful for the community support of women’s health services and are honored to be part of paying homage to Cedric’s mother, who fought so bravely,” says David Steward, chairman and co-founder of World Wide Technology. “We are thrilled to be back for our third year and look forward to an unforgettable performance by Aretha.”
Franklin, whose career spans six decades, is known the world over for classics like ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ and ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.’ Kyles also is renowned for his career in film and TV and for his stand-up routines. He stresses that Franklin was quick to say ‘yes’ to his invitation and will perform for about an hour. “I am so excited to have such an icon accompany me,” Kyles says. “I have so much R.E.S.P.E.C.T for everything she does.”
Kyles adds that the event will include an act by another comedian (to be named later) and an uplifting appearance by women cancer survivors.
SSM Health is a Catholic, nonprofit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest. Its 525-bed teaching hospital on Clayton Road specializes in high-risk obstetrics.
Pictured: Rosetta Boyce Kyles and son Cedric Kyles at the 2014 Cedric the Entertainer and Friends gala
Photo: Suzy Gorman
The Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital specializes in a wide range of women’s health issues. An Evening with Cedric the Entertainer, which will raise funds for the pavilion, takes place Oct. 22 at Peabody Opera House. Pictured on the cover: Cedric tips his hat in the Peabody Opera House. For tickets and information, call 314.678.6637 or visit cedricandfriends.org.
