When I’m not working as a therapist and presenter for Project S.A.R.A.H., I teach a weekly Zumba class. That’s where I first met Saranne Rothberg. Before I knew anything about her background, I was instantly taken by her infectious smile, positive energy and the loving-kindness she exuded.

When I told Saranne about my work with Project S.A.R.A.H., she was instantly intrigued, wanting to know how she could help our agency clients and victims of domestic abuse. Saranne was able to help abuse survivors with furniture, toys and linens, assisting clients to get back on their feet. She has seen and experienced firsthand the work we do with survivors at Project S.A.R.A.H. Saranne felt passionate about the experience and she continues to assist in many ways.

This year we are honored to have Saranne as the keynote speaker of the annual Project S.A.R.A.H. Breakfast on Sunday, April 7, at 9:30 a.m. Join us in the conversation as Saranne speaks about “How to use Humor, Laughter and Play as Your Personal Stress Busters.”

It’s a topic very close to Saranne’s heart: After Zumba class, I learned that she is a stage IV cancer survivor. Immediately after her diagnosis, comedy emerged as a vital coping mechanism for her. In fact, at her first chemo treatment back in 1999, she founded The ComedyCures Foundation. Now an acclaimed national non-profit, ComedyCures brings therapeutic humor to many individuals living with illness, depression or disabilities. The Foundation even operates the free ComedyCures LaughLine where you can call to hear comedy daily: 1-888-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha. (You can even tell your own joke.)

Saranne is an award-winning “Health and Happiness” expert. Featured by ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and PBS, she reaches audiences worldwide with positive and empowering messages that have grown from her personal life experiences. Oprah Winfrey has named Saranne as one of her personal heroes, and Dr. Oz calls her a “miracle.” Saranne serves as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies, leading medical centers, the World Health Organization and The United Nations. She was also a featured speaker at Harvard University’s Domestic Violence Awareness Symposium.

We are thrilled to welcome Saranne at the Project S.A.R.A.H. Breakfast, on April 7, at 9:30 a.m. It’s sure to be a memorable event! For more information go to www.projectsarah.org.

By Hila Revah, LCSW

Hila Revah, LCSW, is a therapist/presenter/outreach coordinator @Project SARAH.