Saranne Rothberg is the Winner of the 2008-2009 Hot Mommas Project Case Competition

Saranne Rothberg @ComedyCures is the winner of the 2008-2009 Hot Mommas Project Case Competition.

Find an excerpt, information about prizes, and using these cases in a group discussion below.

Saranne Rothberg, MS & ComedyCures Foundation
Arm Yourself With A Punch Line: Develop Your Comic Perspective

I FRACTURED MY FUNNY BONE in February 1999.  I heard “malignant tumor, surgery, radiation, chemo” and felt as if I’d forgotten how to breathe. The Cancer Team had gone home and I was told to come back Monday. Suddenly, an old magazine article about a man who had “laughed himself well” hijacked my thoughts.

[the case continues]

During my first chemotherapy treatment, we organized a “Chemo Comedy Party,” including friends, family, sparkling cider, dessert, party favors and six hours of stand-up.  I spontaneously invited the doctors, nurses, fellow outpatients and their family members to join us.  The “ComedyCures Epiphany” happened as Adriamycin coursed through my veins:  I would launch a nonprofit organization to bring joy, hope and comedy into the trenches of treatment…..

It’s been almost ten years, three surgeries, 44 radiation treatments and too many chemo cocktails since my all-night comedy marathon.  My severest personal challenge became my greatest professional accomplishment. Since the launch of our ComedyCures Foundation, we have entertained more than 400,000 people worldwide at live ComedyCures events.  My ComedyCures Co-Founder, Lauriel, is now 16, and we have shared our programs, strategies and comedians with the United Nations, Marines, orphanages, women’s shelters, schools, hospitals on several continents and families impacted by the September 11 attacks. The punch line is that I am cancer-free, and my funny bone healed.

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Saranne’s full case, here.

Read more at www.HotMommasProject.org in our Case Library.

Search for the topics that are important to you!.

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PRIZES – 1^st Place Winner of the 2008-2009 Hot Mommas Project case competition

• Morten Fadum art “She showed no fear when the battle came” mixed media – The Hot Mommas Project official award
• Published in a major Prentice Hall textbook & PINK Magazine
• $2,000 Sephora gift card
• Spot on ComedyCures LaughTalk Radio (that will be easy, it’s her show)
• Beijo bag – Luxe Collection
• Green Valley Spa bath robe
• MotivMode coaching
• David & Goliath chicks rule swag
• On Sale Promos seeded music download card & “Built” lunch tote
• Mom Agenda
• Momentum coaching
• Janice Vancleave’s kids books
• ENC’s “Green is the new black” tee
• Helena Sweet goodies
• JCL concierge service or professional organizing service.

JUDGING COMMENTS:

Saranne Rothberg’s case was selected as the 2008-2009 winner by our prestigious judging panel

One of Saranne’s judges – a retired Harvard Business School professor who is a leader in women’s education – was very impressed.  She said, “[She] built a successful non profit in response to her own life-threatening illness.”

Other Saranne judge comments: “Best writing.” And “Thoughtful questions and exercises.”

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Know a great role model in business and life you’d like to nominate to write their case? Nominate them or yourself here. (Women age 18 and over. You don’t need to be a “momma” to be a “Hot Momma” – we’re the Sisterhood of Success, supporting women via role modeling, mentoring, and education, together.)

Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to write your case. Takes 1-3 hours. Tutorials at www.HotMommasProject.org – or just sign up and we’ll email you when the next round of case competition is taking place!

CONGRATULATIONS SARANNE!