In an effort to motivate both men and women to make positive life changes — and to laugh until they cry — a local breast cancer support group is bringing Brenda Elsagher to Borderland.
The 13th annual Wellness Workshop scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday is for both men and women and is called “Take Charge — It’s Your Life.”
Elsagher, a colon cancer survivor and a comedian, will bring a new outlook on cancer — laughter.
“Laughter is healing, even in the face of adversity,” Elsagher said of her ability to lighten a serious situation, like cancer. “We need to lighten up and enjoy each other as much as we can.”
Susan Congrave, Koochiching County Public Health director, said the local Breast Cancer Support Group is excited to have Elsagher come to town. Congrave serves as the group’s co-facilitator.
“We have had numerous speakers over the 13 years we have done this and each of them has helped with awareness and education,” she said.
Elsagher said she looks forward to visiting International Falls.
“We are going to laugh until our cheeks are sore,” she said.
During her performance titled, “A funny thing happened on the way to my crisis,” Elsagher will talk about situations everyone can relate to, including her Oct. 24, 1995, diagnosis of colon cancer. She said she will educate a little about the taboo subject of cancer and will use hilarious- non-disrespectful humor in the process.
“This is the first time we’ve promoted men to attend, also,” Congrave said. “Hopefully some will as we are all affected by colon cancer.”
Congrave said she hopes people find value in the workshop increase awareness of the importance of cancer screenings as well as laughter in the time of crisis.
“Brenda gives hope to others battling other challenging, life-altering events,” she said.
The presentation is free to all those who wish to attend and food and beverages will be provided.
Concludes Elsagher: “I hope to teach my audiences to not put off another day to do the things you really want to do in life. Don’t wait until you have a life-threatening illness to figure it out. It’s OK to take care of yourself. The night I come to town will be a fun night to come alone or with a bunch of friends.”
