Midwest Book Award Winner!

Midwest Book Award Winner!

May 18, 2016

“Your Glasses Are on Top of Your Head” by Burnsville Comedian and Author Brenda Elsagher Wins a Midwest Book Award

Burnsville resident, comedian and author Brenda Elsagher, has hit a home run with her latest book.

“Your Glasses Are on Top if Your Head,” which showcases the humor associated with aging, has won the health category of the Midwest Book Awards. Winners were announced at a gala event held at Olson Campus Center at Luther Seminary in St. Paul the evening of Fri., May 13.

The Midwest Book Awards are sponsored by The Midwest Independent Publishing Association (MIPA). This year’s awards attracted 198 titles, entered in 30 categories. All books were copyrighted in 2015 and entered by publishers from MIPA’s 12-state Midwestern region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). Some books were entered in more than one category—for a total of 305 entries.

Pictured with Brenda are Jehan, John and Sarah Elsagher along with friend, Rox Tarrant.

" I liked your program but there was one thing bad about it. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt!"

Pat Dollum

"Brenda Elsagher is a rare find - funny, engaging, disarming, inspiring, full of joy that is contagious!"

San Short
Upson Regional Medical Center

Brenda Elsagher brought an energy to our Aging Celebration, which motivated and inspired all present to remember to laugh. I loved how Brenda engaged the entire audience! It was hilarious to watch all the men in the audience slapping their legs with laughter, and tipping their heads back for the hearty laugh we all love.”

Sharon Notch |NW MN
UCare for Seniors & EssentiaCare

Spirit of Women Event. “In all the years I have been attending conferences and education days, I have never seen a “comedian” focused on healthcare. She was right on the money! Brenda was a gift! Brenda was great! Loved the comedy! Loved the humor! Brenda was excellent! .”

Misty Ufholz Physician and Community Liaison
Thompson Healthcare, Canandaigua, NY

"I laughed, I cried, then I laughed again."

Martha Sawyer Allen
Star Tribune

“Brenda has the ability to make me laugh one minute and cry the next. Her message is poignant, fun and hopeful.”

"Hearing Brenda speak at a nursing conference left our colleagues in stitches. She delivers a heartfelt presentation that can lighten the room, yet deliver a powerful message for caregivers as she encourages them to use humor with compassion. We knew she would be a hit at our annual oncology symposium, yet were amazed at the impact she had on the attendees! "

Lynn Salmela, MA, RN-BC
Jan Tomaino, DNP, RN, AHN-BC
Nursing Professional Development Specialists
Essentia Health, Duluth, MN

"Brenda presents in a way that makes you feel that you’ve known her your whole life. She has the perfect combination of humor and compassion making the audience feel like they are having coffee and a good chat with a dear friend. "

Sara J. Kaffine
Nurse Navigator
St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

“Humor really helps us face difficulties in our lives. Ms. Brenda Elsagher is original and brilliant."

“Our conference guests enjoyed your presentation; especially your humor and the manner in which you bare your soul to the audience. This was validated further when you received a standing ovation. Your keynote remarks made our conference a world class event for our 850 participants.”

Mike Bailey,Chief Operating Manager
Handi Medical Supply, Inc. St. Paul, MN

“Talk about transformational, Brenda has the power to stretch her speaking points out like invisible steel girders arching from the stage to each audience member to form bridges of understanding.”

Holly St. Jean

Brenda Elsagher in five words; Sensational, Realistic, Eloquent, Graceful and Giving.

Brenda’s speech filled us with hope and plenty of laughter. More than a comedian, she's an educator and writer who deeply believes in helping people with the best medicine around. . . laughter.

Terri J Smith
MHAMA President

I am so happy that we had Brenda come and talk with us! I have received nothing but positive feedback from everyone that attended! They enjoyed her humor, her being “real” and relating to us all and so many needed a good laugh with life’s “busyness!”

Sonja Day Director Foundation
CHI St. Joseph Health, Park Rapids, MN

“On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, I want to express our thanks for your participation as a keynoter at our Living with Cancer conference. We have received many positive comments. They truly appreciated the ideas and information you presented. You received a 4.9 rating out of a possible 5. Thanks for coming up to Regina, Saskatchewan and we wish you continued success.”

Wendy McDermid,
Director