What's Happening Now?
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The Mindset Study has concluded.
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Study findings are now available.
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Please email us with any questions here.
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Read our press announcement here
Thank you for your interest in The Mindset and Metastatic Cancer Research Study!
Our study has concluded. Females living with advanced cancer participated in our Mindset & Metastatic Cancer Research Study. Participants joined the study from 24 states and 10 countries.
Study findings will be released in February, 2022.
BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS
There are many positive outcomes possible for study participants:
Create an individualized self-care program on the award-winning Neolth platform with effective strategies & practices from diverse experts including ComedyCures
Reduce perceived stress, help manage anxiety and/or depression
Elevate mindset/mood, gain a positive outlook and increased energy
Learn techniques to increase joy and laughter
Help further research to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for women living with metastatic cancer
Have more fun for 8 weeks!
What is the purpose of this study?
Living with cancer can be stressful. Just as we prioritize physical health, people living with cancer should also receive stress and mental health support services, if desired. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a digital health solution and fun stress management and relaxation techniques on the perceived stress of women living with metastatic cancer.
Study Details
This 8-week voluntary mindset study offers each participant a personalized digital health experience by utilizing a complimentary subscription to the Neolth platform with practices that include:
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ComedyCures Foundation tips, practices & funny content
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Self-guided relaxation and self-care activities, personalized just for you
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On-demand videos to improve mental health (videos are 2 - 15 minutes each)
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An easy method to monitor your most effective practices and how they impact your stress and health
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Live Zoom Sessions w/Saranne. Three optional 30-minute sessions will be offered during the study:
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Live Virtual Comedy Kick-off, Q&A, Prize Drawing
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Live Virtual Interim Workshop, Q&A, Prize Drawing
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Live Virtual Closing Celebration: Comedy, Prize Drawing & Thank You
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Over the course of this study, you’ll be asked to use the Neolth platform each week on your mobile device, tablet and/or desktop with a minimal time commitment. You will also be asked to complete 3 quick online surveys (15 minutes each) during the 8 weeks. Please see our FAQ’s for more information.
The Process
Eligibility Surveys To Be Submitted:
Women living with metastatic cancer who are interested in volunteering for the 8-week Mindset Study are asked to complete the brief eligibility survey and provide their contact information.
Participants Selected and Contacted on a Rolling Admission:
The first 50 eligible women will receive an email from The ComedyCures Foundation indicating they’ve been selected to participate and will be asked to confirm their agreement to voluntarily participate. If more than 50 women are eligible, ComedyCures will randomly select participants in a blinded process. Enrollment into the study will occur on a rolling basis as those selected agree to participate in the study.
Baseline Study (September - October):
Participants who are selected and confirm their interest will receive an email from HumorBuddy@ComedyCures.org with a link to complete the baseline survey (~15 minutes).
Note that the baseline survey must be completed by the eligible participant before signing into her complimentary subscription to the Neolth digital platform.
The 8-Week Schedule
Week 1 (September, 2021):
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Complete the Baseline Program Survey (15 minutes) and create a Neolth account (free access will be provided)
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Complete two self-guided relaxation practices on the Neolth digital platform
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Watch one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Live Virtual Comedy Kick-off, Q&A, Prize Drawing (optional)
Weeks 2 & 3:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform each week
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Participants will be sent email reminders about engagement
Week 4:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on Neolth
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Mid-way Program Survey (10 minutes) to be completed at the end of week 4
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Live Virtual Workshop, Q&A, Prize Drawing (optional)
Weeks 5, 6 & 7:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Participants will be sent email reminders about engagement
Week 8:
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Complete two relaxation practices and one on-demand video on the Neolth digital platform
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Post-Study Program Survey (10 minutes) to be completed at the end of week 8
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Live Virtual Closing Celebration: Comedy, Prize Drawing & Thank You (optional)
The Women Behind The Study
The Mindset and Metastatic Cancer Research Study has been created by Saranne Rothberg, a stage IV cancer survivor and founder of The ComedyCures Foundation, in collaboration with Dr. Katherine Grill, PhD and Dr. Claire Wheeler, MD, PhD of Neolth, a digital mental health platform. This study has been made possible by a grant from The Willow Foundation, founded by cancer survivor Leah Evert and Janine Klein.
Principal Investigator
Saranne launched The ComedyCures Foundation from her chemo chair in 1999 and today is cancer-free, helping over one million people at over 1,800 live and digital events worldwide rediscover their funny bone, mojo, and purpose. From stage IV cancer patient to ComedyCures CEO, she is a sought-after healthcare thought leader, speaker, patient advocate, and health and happiness expert, and is regularly featured on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX & PBS. Saranne creates innovative global wellness-related programming in all media formats to find solutions across healthcare and many industries. [READ MORE]
ABOUT DR. CLAIRE WHEELER, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Wheeler is the Chief Medical Officer at Neolth. She is a former Emergency Medicine physician with training in Integrative Medicine as well as a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. For over 20 years she has been a clinical supervisor and facilitator with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, working with oncologists and people with cancer, integrating mind-body medicine into allopathic cancer care programs. Dr. Wheeler is now an Assistant Professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. She is the author of 10 Simple Solutions to Stress and Pocket Therapy for Stress, both published by New Harbinger.
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ABOUT DR. KATHERINE GRILL, PHD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Grill is the Co-Founder and CEO of Neolth. She has a BS in Art Therapy, MA in Psychology and PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience specializing in Integrative and Behavioral Health. She worked clinically in psychiatric care, conducting therapeutic art and mind-body sessions and is a certified Advance Care Planning facilitator. Dr. Grill co-founded a mindfulness group in Washington, D.C. for adults with chronic illness, taught psychology at American University, and taught precision neuroscience at the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco.
The ComedyCures Foundation is here 24/7 to tickle your funny bone. Through our award-winning digital programs and live events, ComedyCures entertains, educates, and helps you develop your superpowers of laughter, hope, joy, play, and a comic perspective
The Willow Foundation (USA) supports research efforts that help connect behaviors with improved outcomes for advanced and late-stage cancer patients. Co-Founders: Cancer Survivor Leah Evert and Janine Klein. [LEARN MORE]
As part of this research study, participants will download and use the Neolth app. Neolth provides stress and mental health support by delivering on-demand, personalized care via their self-guided platform. This includes relaxation practices, self-care and mental health tracking, videos about mental health, and a variety of content from ComedyCures. All participants will be given free access to Neolth to use during the study. [LEARN MORE]
ComedyCures Support team
Clinical Nurse: Ilene Lasky Klein RN, MSN
Survivor Liaison: Sara Jakob
Study Coordinator: Grace Lee
If you have any emergent issues, please dial 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) which are available 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any emergent issues, please dial 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) which are available 24/7. 24/7 FREE crisis resources are available through the Neolth platform. Go to your profile and click Crisis Resource Survey to get a list of free resources you can use. We’re a 501(C)3 non-profit organization.