National Cancer Survivor’s Day Events

June 20, 2016

From East Coast to West Coast & Everywhere in Between We Are Celebrating Life!

National Cancer Survivor Day is June 1 every year and there are hundreds of celebrations taking place across the country. Not all on June 1, but usually the first 2 weeks. Often times, the hospital will plan events that contain education, vendors, activities and usually a keynote speaker.
I have been honored to speak at these events every June for years somewhere in the USA. This month I have been in New Jersey, Seattle and Wisconsin. There is a bond amongst cancer survivors, a knowing of the shared experience. I call it a staccato language between them that says so much with a shake of a head, a loving look, a few choice words.

Somerville,New Jersey

Steeplechase Cancer Center, New Jersey Cancer Survivor Day Event

Patti Halicki and Brenda

Brenda NCSD NJ — Brenda and friend Rose Hausmann

Seattle, Washington

Moving Beyond Cancer To Wellness Event at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

To read more click here: Fred Hutch Survivorship Program

And events in Green Bay and Sheboygan Wisconsin

Celebrate Life, LAUGH!

It is a time to reflect on our lives, pause, re-evaluate. What do I still want to do? Who do I need to tell I’m sorry to or that I love them. Now I get to quit worrying about having my house in order and have more friends over instead. I get to try new things and be less concerned about what other people may think. I show joy and silliness more, feel more emotional, and share tears…and laughs frequently.

I am blessed to be able to make people laugh and take them away from their worries, even for an hour. To all of those organizations that cater to cancer survivors and their families, that go beyond what is necessary, we thank you.

Whether it’s been 6 months or 20 years like me, it is worthy of a celebration !

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

San Short
Upson Regional Medical Center

“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

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

"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

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

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

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

"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

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

“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