Watch Sharsheret Founder and Executive Director Rochelle Shoretz in an Exclusive TV Interview Featured on Fox 5 News NY

Eight years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time, there was no organization dedicated to supporting young Jewish women facing breast cancer. I was 28 years old, raising two young children, and more than anything, I felt alone.

I have often said that Sharsheret’s success is not the product of one woman’s efforts – that there are thousands of angels who are sitting on my shoulders as Sharsheret grows at a remarkable pace. But these past few months, I have had the privilege of sitting on Sharsheret’s shoulders as I face breast cancer a second time. After my mastectomy in February, I received a Pillow of Support from Sharsheret to elevate my arm, just as so many of you have. Sharsheret’s Link Program has connected me with another woman who opted for the same reconstructive surgery that I was considering. And as I struggle with the concerns of a woman living with Stage IV breast cancer, I have had the support of Sharsheret’s Embrace Program, designed to address the needs of those living with advanced breast cancer. The Sharsheret, the chain, of support that I began eight years ago has come full circle. I began as a link in that chain and now use the strength of other links for my own support.

I am no longer alone in my journey. I have a Sharsheret family.

A Community Of Love

by Malki Gartenberg

There are two kinds of survivors-those who wish to keep their diagnosis private, and others who share the news. Initially, I was on the private side; but as time progressed, my secret revealed itself in a most natural progression. I guess I thought sharing my cancer diagnosis would make it real. As my friend's Dad is famous for saying, "Denial is not just a river in Egypt ". By the time I had no eyebrows or lashes, the gig was up. There was no denying. I no longer recognized the girl in the mirror. I needed lots of love and I needed it now!
There was such an immediate outpouring of love and nurturing, and I drank it up. There's never a bad time to feel loved. Once I opened my heart and let everyone in, accepting rides, food, visits, lunches and laughs, we all became a community. The Community of Helping Malki Get Better. I learned that I always wanted to be in a warm and loving community, but it took a cancer diagnosis to put aside my independent streak and allow those surrounding me to feed me with love.
If this is how I feel, I imagine there are a multitude of other survivors experiencing these feelings. Thanks to Rochelle Shoretz , we can all connect. I have so much admiration for Rochelle. Instead of burying her head under the covers, which I seriously considered, Rochelle successfully created Sharsheret as a link for all of us to unite and gather strength from one another. Sharsheret was the first phone call I made upon returning home from the doctor on the day my cancer was confirmed. Elana Silber, a friend for 40 years, calmly soothed me while I did nothing but sob on the phone. She connected me to Shera, who has been a constant source of support throughout my treatment. My last week of chemotherapy coincided with the Komen walk. What a meaningful way to culminate the past five months. With my close family and friends by my side, we slowly shpattziered, sauntered, through the streets of Manhattan and Central Park , taking in the crowds and the amazing energy of the day. There was a spirit emanating from every person there; a strength, courage and a determination to fight, support and be there for loved ones. By the time we reached the finish line, I didn't want the day to end. I felt like I could have walked a million miles with these people.
Someone asked me recently, “What are the correct words to say to a recently diagnosed friend?” My answer was: Just call, visit, but don't fret over the words. My best messages came from people who understood I couldn't call back. When they said on my machine, “I’m just calling to let you know I am thinking about you, you don't have to call back”, I was thrilled.
One more thing before I go: the High Holidays and cancer. This is the first time I really had to go into Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur wondering, “Do I really want to have this conversation with the Holy One?” I remembered davening, praying, last year before I ever imagined I would have a health concern; it all seemed so routine and impersonal. Not this year. I felt there were two of us in the room, G-d and myself. It was scary and I am glad I can't read the future, because sometimes you just don't need to know.