Edward Elmhurst Healthcare, Elmhurst IL writes about two-time cancer survivor speaker
Conor Cunneen was absolutely amazing!
His presentation of “The Gift of GAB (Goals, Attitudes, and Behaviors),” set the perfect tone for our annual Cancer Survivors’ Day celebration. His talk was engaging, light-hearted and entertaining. Our cancer survivors and their guests were full of laughter and smiles and Conor helped make our event a huge success. Afterwards, he signed his book, For the Love of Being Irish: From A to Z, and generously took time to speak with all our guests making it the perfect end to a perfect evening.
Conor Cunneen was a pleasure to work with and I would wholeheartedly recommend him as a speaker.
Why a Funny Cancer Survivor Speaker Can Make Your Survivorship Event Unforgettable
Whether you’re organizing a National Cancer Survivors Day® event, an oncology nurses celebration, or a gathering of those impacted by cancer, bringing in a funny cancer survivor guest speaker can transform your program from meaningful to memorable.
A humorous cancer survivor speaker doesn’t just deliver words—I truly believe they deliver connection. They inspire, educate, sometimes make you laugh through the tears, and always remind us that no one walks this difficult cancer journey alone.
As a two-time cancer survivor myself who’s had the privilege of speaking at numerous cancer survivor events, including for oncology nurses, patient support groups, and survivorship luncheons, I’ve experienced first-hand how the right speaker can light up a room, create powerful moments of shared emotion, and provide just the boost an audience needs.
Whether humorous, hopeful, or healing, a humorous, motivational speaker sets the tone for cancer survivorship events..
What Kind of Cancer Survivor Speaker Is Right for Your Event?
Are you aiming for laughter and lightness? A reflective tone? Or an educational session with practical takeaways? Choose a speaker who fits your theme and connects with your specific audience—whether it’s survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, or a combination.
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A celebrity survivor can inspire with a personal journey.
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A healthcare professional can share advances in treatment and emotional wellness.
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An author or advocate can offer insight, motivation, and maybe even a book signing.
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And yes, a humorous motivational speaker (like yours truly) can remind your audience that joy still belongs in the healing process.
As prostate cancer survivor and singer Rod Stewart once said:
“Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done.”
His delivery made people laugh, but his message was spot-on: awareness saves lives.
Nurse Educator, Winthrop University Hospital writes
We want to thank you again for a wonderful presentation!!! The verbal evaluations were great!!! A hit!!! You are a natural. It was so nice how you met everyone at the tables- I never saw that before, from a speaker. You are truly a pleasure.
If you ever need an endorsement- don’t hesitate. In fact if you run for governor, send us a ballot!!!
Budgeting and Booking a Cancer Survivor Speaker: What to Consider
Speaker fees can vary dramatically—from volunteers to high-profile names with national recognition. As a motivational speaker who tells cancers survivors, oncology nurses and professionals about my thyroid and prostate cancers with humor and I hope inspiration, I endeavor to work to my client budget. While some local advocates may speak for a nominal fee (or none), others may charge thousands, especially if they’re in high demand.
IrishmanSpeaks – Chicago based Conor Cunneen
Other Considerations
- Travel and accommodation costs (My fee for cancer survivor ship events is inclusive of travel)
- Agency or booking fees (Some organizations like to book their funny cancer survivor speaker through an agency especially if they are seeking a celebrity speaker. Funny actor and prostate cancer survivor speaker Ben Stiller – “Taking the PSA test saved my life. Literally. That’s why I’m here. I had no symptoms. If I hadn’t taken the test, I wouldn’t have known. It’s a simple blood test. Talk to your doctor. Tell them you want itif applicable)
- Time commitment and add-ons (like Q&As, meet-and-greets, or book sales)
Anne Arundel Medical Center’s DeCesaris Cancer Institute writes
We highly recommend Conor to inspire, delight, educate and entertain your organization regardless of the type of audience. Conor, through his Gift of GAB program, Irish wit, wisdom as a two time cancer survivor and as a gifted inspirational speaker, had them laughing for joy and longing for more.
Hi! How can I help you?
Quotes on Prostate Cancer Survivorship from Celebrities.
Robert De Niro (Diagnosed in 2003)
“I just got it over with. I didn’t talk about it much at the time, but I encourage people to get checked. It’s part of staying alive.”
— reported by media during his recovery
🔹 Warren Buffett (Diagnosed in 2012)
“I feel great. I’ve had no symptoms. I’ve been told by my doctors that my condition is not remotely life-threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way.”
— statement to shareholders after diagnosis
🔹 Harry Belafonte (Diagnosed in the late 1990s)
“There were moments when I wasn’t sure I’d make it. But the cancer taught me how important it is to face mortality and keep giving back.”
— in an interview with AARP
🔹 Joe Torre (Diagnosed in 1999)
“It hit me like a ton of bricks. But it also made me stronger and more committed—to my family, my team, and helping others get through it.”
— Prostate Cancer Foundation public campaignAlan Ashworth (Cancer researcher and survivor)
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you’re handed a new lens. It changes what matters most—time, people, purpose.”
2. Rod Stewart (Singer – diagnosed in 1999, shared his prostate cancer battle publicly in 2019)
“No one knows this, but I thought it was time I told everyone. I’m in the clear now… Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done.”
— remark at a 2019 prostate cancer fundraising event
3. Ian McKellen (Actor – prostate cancer diagnosed in 2006, monitored over time)
“I’ve had prostate cancer for six or seven years. When you have it, you monitor it… it’s not life-threatening, and I am completely in control.”
— interview with The Daily Mirror
4. Trevor Walker (Advocate and author, diagnosed at 55)
“Prostate cancer didn’t just affect my health—it challenged my masculinity, my identity. Talking about it saved my life.”
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