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Finding the Funny Side of Cancer

  • Oct 28, 2021
  • 1 min read

Updated: Jan 13, 2023

A non-profit founder taps into humor to make treatment more bearable.


Published in Crains New York Business, October 26, 2021

By: Shaun Sim


Back in 1999, Saranne Rothberg was told she had less than 5 years to live following a diagnosis of stage four triple-negative breast cancer, an uncommon but aggressive form of the disease. After the doctor broke the news, a memory from college crossed Rothberg's mind.


"I remember reading this article about the therapeutic value of humor and laughter," she said, "of how when the author was laughing he was feeling less pain."


Rothberg, who was an educational entertainment and special ed consultant at the time, went to the video store and rented every stand up comedy tape she could carry.


"I needed to fill my days and nights with laughter and comedy."




 
 
 

29 Comments


Unknown member
Aug 11

The way this charity announcement highlights the role of comedy in bringing people together is genuinely encouraging. It shows that fundraising does not always have to feel formal or distant from the community. A similar idea of supporting people through difficult circumstances came to mind when I came across https://www.jasonranallolaw.com/ where helping individuals navigate challenging situations is also an important theme. Combining entertainment with a meaningful cause can create memorable experiences while encouraging more people to participate and contribute.

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Unknown member
Aug 11

I appreciate the depth of research and clarity in your writing. Your perspective on this topic is both unique and enlightening. moonlight peaks wiki

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Unknown member
Aug 06

This piece really resonated with me. Comedy has a way of cutting through the heaviest moments, and Saranne’s story is such a powerful reminder that laughter isn’t trivial—it’s a survival tool. I’ve seen how humor can shift a room’s energy, especially in tough times. For anyone wanting to lighten their own creative projects or share a smile with someone else, a Free AI Image Generator can turn a simple idea into a playful visual in seconds. It’s a small, fun way to keep the spirit light.

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Unknown member
Jul 31

Thanks for this post. Girl games

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Unknown member
Jul 16

This is a heartfelt reminder that hope and laughter can provide strength during life's most difficult moments. The balance of compassion and encouragement makes the article especially impactful. I recently found a thoughtful discussion on Microsoft Azure Consulting Services that echoed similar positive ideas. Thank you for sharing such meaningful and inspiring content.

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