Brenda Elsagher
Bringing Joy Through The Journey and Laughter With a Message
This highly funny, energetic woman was voted Twin Cities Funniest Person by Acme comedy club in Minnesota, Newsmaker of the year by the Women's Press and has received the Golden "Mic" (Mike) award from the American Cancer Society and the Advocacy to action award by (GYRIG) Get Your Rear in Gear organization.
Brenda is the past-President of the United Ostomy Association's Minneapolis chapter and is a patient advocate for Fight Colorectal Cancer, Colon Cancer Alliance and the United Ostomy Association of America. She is the President-Elect for the National Speakers Association, Minnesota chapter.
A former small business owner, Brenda is a wife, mother, international speaker and author of If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform?, I'd Like to Buy a Bowel Please!, Bedpan Banter, and It's in the Bag and Under the Covers. Brenda is a down to earth storyteller that audiences can relate to. She also writes a weekly blog for C3Life.com. Brenda, a native of Minnesota, will show how humor can help us all get through adversity in our lives. She is known for her honest discussions about taboo subjects and her ability to make the audiences burst out laughing. They leave enlightened, educated and entertained.
Joy Through the Journey (for General Audiences)
I have a lot of fun with audiences of all types. From associations to communities, the stories I choose are relatable, funny, yet poignant. The audience will walk away feeling better because they have laughed, not just a little tee hee, but a burst out laughter! I sneak in a little 2 minute education with every talk about the taboo subject of colon screening. I do it with humor and it is appreciated and a good reminder for all of us. It works for every audience. Just ask the group of 1400 national cancer registrars or the Archbishop and 300 religious educators or a roomful of teachers and all people dealing with adversity whether its with their health or the challenges in their daily lives.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Crisis (for any Cancer-related Audience)
This talk is also available for one CEU credit. I have a lot of fun with audiences of all types of cancer. The stories I choose are relatable, funny, yet poignant and specific to our common cancer experiences. The attendees will walk away feeling better because they have laughed, not just a little tee hee, but a laugh they can't hold back! I sneak in a little 2-minute education with every talk about the taboo subject of colon screening. I focus on humor and hope for us all. I have spoken for small groups of cancer survivors and large groups like the 3500 Oncology nurses as an opening keynote. There are so many areas touched by cancer from the registrars to Administration to the caregivers and therapists. There will be something here for everyone. Humor can take us all away from the pain we face daily, even if just for a minute.
Humor and Healing from the Patients Perspective (for Healthcare Professionals)
This talk is also available for one CEU credit and is geared toward medical professionals on all levels. I take stories from my time as a patient and illustrate points and bring out the humor from the patients perspective on healthcare. It is a well-received message and often accompanied by one of my books.
Sex, The Inside Scoop from the Patients Viewpoint (for Healthcare Professionals)
This talk is also available for one CEU credit. I take an honest look at a subject that most patients are hesitant to talk about with medical professionals. My stories relay my own experience with cancer at age 39 that would require needing vaginal reconstruction, a total hysterectomy and other life-changing surgeries that had to address this issue.
In my book, Its in the Bag and Under the Covers, I gathered stories from patients all over the world that were sex-specific dealing with intimacy changes after surgery. Many are filled with humor which is a running theme throughout my talks.