Breast Cancer with a Twist

By: H. Z. Ben-Nahum, Sharsheret Volunteer

Over 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was in my late 40’s, athletic, and health-conscious. The day it all began will be imprinted on my mind forever. I was enjoying a game of tennis, when the ball hit my nipple. I noticed that my nipple had swollen and had not returned to normal even after several days. Concerned, I decided to consult a doctor. I was advised to schedule surgery as soon as possible. I underwent a radical mastectomy, followed by treatment. Genetic testing wasn’t on my radar screen as Myriad Labs only discovered how to test for the BRCA gene five years after my initial diagnosis. I now have two adult children. My daughter recently approached me requesting that I undergo genetic testing because she was worried about her own risk of developing breast cancer. I obliged and am grateful that I tested BRCA-. For now, they will continue to have increased surveillance. I am living with metastatic breast cancer to the lungs, I’m experiencing side effects from treatment, but I stay active and busy. I still worry about my children and their risk of developing cancer, just like all mothers diagnosed with breast cancer. The only thing that makes me different is that I AM THEIR FATHER. I am lending my voice to raise awareness that breast cancer can be passed along from father to daughter. We must continue to protect our futures and those of our children by remembering to include the paternal family history when considering our children’s genetic risk of developing breast cancer. I hope that by sharing my story with Sharsheret, we can save lives.

Watch Rochelle Shoretz Live from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

An Interview with Rochelle Shoretz: Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Taking Time in San Antonio

By: Rochelle Shoretz, Sharsheret Founder and Executive Director

I have spent the last four days attending the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, an annual conference at which clinicians, research scientists and advocates gather to share the most recent research on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. At this year's conference we learned about international clinical trials exploring treatments for triple negative breast cancer beyond trastuzumab. We learned about a trial exploring the use of zoledronic acid in women with earlier stage breast cancer. And we learned about trials exploring treatments beyond aromatase inhibitors.

But what does this really mean for all of us, the women and families of Sharsheret? One of my takeaways from this year's conference is that personalized medicine, the ability to tailor treatment based on the particular characteristics of one's cancer cells, is at the core of emerging research. Therefore, it is critical that we understand the biomarkers of our particular cancers. Are the cells Her2 positive or negative? Estrogen receptor positive or negative? Progesterone receptor positive or negative? We must take the time to understand - not just read and not just file - but understand our pathology reports. These reports, and the information they contain, will help us work with our health care team to craft our personal treatment plans. And we'll need this information in the years ahead as new tailored treatments emerge.

As younger women, we are often in a rush. We want to get cancer over with, get back to our families and careers, get treatment started so that it can end. We sometimes rush through the understanding that can only come with questions, questions that we may be too afraid or too rushed to ask.

I had four days to ask questions, and it was empowering. Although I was diagnosed almost ten years ago, I found myself considering new questions, making notes of discussions I would like to have with my oncologist. It's not too late for me, or for any of us, to ask the difficult questions and to take the time to understand.

Live From the 33rd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: Obesity and Breast Cancer

By: Rochelle Shoretz, Sharsheret Founder and Executive Director

As Sharsheret staff members travel around the country, we are constantly asked, “What more can we do to help ourselves?” Now we have clinical data suggesting that obesity at diagnosis is associated with inferior outcomes in some breast cancers. The implication of this study is critical to the Jewish community where food is central to our collective cultural experiences. On the heels of Chanukah, where we celebrate with deliciously unhealthy foods such as potato pancakes and jelly donuts, we need to raise our awareness as to the impact our diets may have on our health. Click here to read the new emerging research from the 33rd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. We suspect you may have thoughts about this topic. Post your comments below to continue this important conversation.

A Special Chanukah Gift

By: Rochelle Shoretz, Founder, Executive Director

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking in Philly before a group of 75 women of all walks of Jewish life. I met some of our Peer Supporters and Callers from the area (we have 41), and recruited 10 new women to join our national Peer Support Network. The woman who introduced me was one of our very first Sharsheret Callers, who has been a Peer Supporter for almost 8 years now, and who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. As we all watched Sharsheret’s promotional Race DVD, filmed in 2004, it was incredible to see how much the organization has grown – how many more lives we’ve touched, how many lives we have lost, how much of an impact we have made. I took the last train out of Philly at 11 p.m., tired but satisfied after a day of meetings at Philly Federation and the Parlor Meeting late at night.

On the ride home, I peeled open the envelopes that so many had given with contributions in support of our work. There, on the top of the pile, was a first time gift of $5,000 from a woman who was moved by our mission.

And I’m sure you’re thinking that, indeed, we received a very special Chanukah gift last week.

But the truth is, the real Chanukah gift came in the form of the introduction we received from that original Caller. She described Sharsheret as a Shamash, a servant of good in the world, providing light to those who need it at the darkest hour.

Thank you all for giving us a true gift – the opportunity to shine light for so many. We are so grateful for all of the support that makes that light possible.

Looking forward to celebrating many more holidays together, in health.

A Chanukah Miracle

By: Shera Dubitsky, MEd, MA, Sharsheret Clinical Supervisor

Chanukah celebrates the miraculous victory and survival of the Jewish people. In our history, we see that miracles often follow times of despair and hopelessness, testing our very core as individuals and as a community. In Hebrew, the word for test is nisayon. Within this word we find nes, miracle. This suggests to me that both of these phenomena have the potential to be experienced in tandem.

When a woman, her family, her community are touched by cancer, we desperately seek miracles. We hope and pray for these miracles to be as grand as the parting of the Red Sea. Do miracles of this grandeur still happen? Will the cure become an absolute outcome for all women diagnosed with cancer? The answer remains unknown today, but it may reveal itself tomorrow. This is the power of hope.

In the meantime, I revel in the small, beautiful wonders I have witnessed at Sharsheret. Sharsheret began as a conversation between two young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, that conversation includes thousands of Jewish women, families, and communities across the country. I have seen the power of emotional and spiritual healing through strength of character, generosity of spirit, kindness, and humor.

A diagnosis of cancer can begin in darkness. But I have seen the brilliance of light shine in the resiliency of the human spirit. As I light my candles this Chanukah, I will remember that although the holiday begins with the faint light of one candle, slowly, candle by candle, day by day, the illumination of light becomes powerful. In our history, the word cancer was taboo and whispered only in darkness. Sharsheret has shed light on this important issue and brought hope to the Jewish community. I believe that this is our victory, our miracle.

Tell Us Why You’re Thankful

This Thanksgiving Sharsheret is thankful for YOU - our incredible volunteers and supporters and the inspiring women, families, and communities we are privileged to serve.

Help us spread the spirit of gratitude this week. Post your message of thanks by adding your comments below or on our Facebook page and inspire women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer nationwide. We can't wait to hear from you!

Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from Sharsheret's Staff and Board of Directors.

Watch an Exclusive NY-1 Interview with Rochelle Shoretz About Her Appointment to the CDC Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women

From an Ordinary School Day to a Life-Changing Experience

By: Jamie Rashty, Sharsheret Student Volunteer

As a fifteen year-old teenage girl I never really thought about breast cancer as a disease that affects thousands of women all over the world every day. I never considered breast cancer at all until October 28th, 2010. That day, Akiva Hebrew Day School initiated “Pink Day”, a day dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. I don’t think I have ever seen so much pink in my entire life! From the school itself covered in pink streamers, balloons, and posters, to the entire Akiva administration, high school, and middle school student bodies dressed head to toe in pink clothing, we were impossible to miss! The day started off with a special prayer for women who are currently living with breast cancer. Following prayer that morning, we attended a fun breakfast of pink bagels, pink cupcakes, pink candies, pink tableware, everywhere I turned all I saw was pink!

Later that day we watched a Sharsheret video presentation, which helped us to fully understand the incredible programming and assistance Sharsheret offers to women and families facing breast cancer across the country. Everyone was truly touched by the amount of work put into Sharsheret and every good deed they do for women and their families. Following the video, the entire Akiva high school, middle school, faculty members, and even parents took a mile-long walk for the cause. As both the Israeli and American flags blew in the wind amidst the group of young, pink-covered teenagers taking a stand, feelings of pride and importance were vibrant throughout the community. The walk brought the Akiva community together in fighting for a cause that would forever be close to our hearts since that day.

After returning from the walk, the boys and girls were divided into two special programs. While the boys learned about cancer and its effect on men, the girls participated in an exhilarating “Jazzercise” program, promoting the idea of remaining healthy through exercise. We all felt strong and self-motivated after completing such a hearty workout run by two-time breast cancer survivor, Jane McNamara. As I loaded up my backpack to go home, I felt empowered by the entire program. I was inspired not only by Sharsheret, but by what I now know I can do as a young teenager in order to take a stand on the issue and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Good Luck on Sunday!

Dear Aharon, Brad, David, Ilana, Mark, Oliver, Scott, Shari, Tobi and Tyler,

You are helping us make Sharsheret history. Our first ever marathon team – all of you – will take to the streets as Team Sharsheret on Sunday. We have been cheering you on as you have raised more than $50,000 in support of Sharsheret’s 10 national programs. And our cheers have been joined by the chorus of hundreds of new friends that you have introduced to our important work.

As you prepare for race day, let us say thank you, again. Thank you for the months you have spent training on Sharsheret’s behalf. Thank you for the funds that will help us save and better thousands of lives affected by breast and ovarian cancer nationwide. And thank you for helping us grow our Sharsheret, our chain, of families engaged in Sharsheret’s work.

On Sunday, as you race to the finish line, please know that you are racing for all of us fighting breast and ovarian cancer. We are so thankful for your energy, your passion, and your dedication to Sharsheret.

With deep gratitude on behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of Sharsheret,

Rochelle

Aharon Novack

Brad Somer

David Cooper

Ilana Picker

Mark Segall

Oliver Davies

Rabbi Scott Hoffman

Shari Slepian

Tobi Jasper Rousso

Tyler Wilson

A Growing Voice for Jews Facing Serious Illness

By: Rochelle Shoretz, Sharsheret Founder and Executive Director

I was saddened to read in The Jewish Week a first person account of one anonymous woman's struggle to live with serious illness and date in the Orthodox community. As the Founder and Executive Director of Sharsheret, a national organization supporting women and families of all Jewish backgrounds facing breast cancer, I have heard too often the concerns of mothers and daughters that knowledge of disease in their family may affect the ability of family members to marry.

Unfortunately, stereotypes of those living with illness and related concerns about dating and relationships affect persons of all religious affiliations. Whether Reform, Conservative or Chasidic, young men and women facing serious illness struggle with how much to tell a prospective partner, and when. The fear of being defined by one's disease is not an Orthodox-only issue.

We are making progress. In the ten years since Sharsheret's founding, I have witnessed a noteworthy change in the community's willingness to discuss disease openly. We have engaged thousands of men and women in candid conversations about breast and ovarian cancer, topics that, in years past, had been shrouded in secrecy. Words like "breast cancer", once taboo and merely whispered, have become the public subject of Rabbi's sermons, Jewish community center events, and synagogue study groups. Organizations like Sharsheret have generated life-saving conversations by giving a voice to those facing serious illness.

As a single woman living with a chronic illness, I signed my name to a letter to the editor with the hope for continued progress - a growing voice for those who believe that love and companionship can follow even the most frightening diagnosis.

From the Beginning

By: Reva Borgen, Sharsheret Peer Supporter

After getting the dreaded diagnosis of breast cancer, "luck" was not part of my vocabulary. That all changed when I sat down at my computer in the middle of the night and sent a desperate message to a fledgling organization that was aimed at helping young Jewish women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I had no idea who was going to read my e-mail or who was going to respond. All I knew was that I was terrified and that I needed someone to talk to. The voice on the other end belonged to Sharsheret’s Founder Rochelle Shoretz. She told me about herself and the organization she started to help women like me. I was quickly connected with a Link, a Peer Supporter, a woman with the same diagnosis as mine. My Link calmly told me about her surgery and subsequent treatments. I was speaking to someone who had survived the nightmare that I was living. This conversation helped me to keep my fears in check as I confidently underwent my surgical procedure, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments.

Shortly after completing my treatment, Rochelle asked if I would participate in a CBS News segment in honor of Sharsheret’s 1-year anniversary. How exciting! Eight women celebrated not just the first anniversary of Sharsheret, but also feelings of unity, triumph, and admiration for one other. I will never forget when Rochelle shared a remarkable story about how Sharsheret was able to connect two Rebbetzins on opposite sides of the country - two women with similar diagnoses, both involved in their communities, who were able to provide support to one another. We were all amazed at the amount of phone calls that were coming in from all over the country and even a few from different countries.

When Rochelle asked me to become a Peer Supporter, I felt extremely grateful because I was finally in a position to give strength to someone else. What she didn't know was how much strength I gained by helping other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. At the time of my diagnosis, I had four children ranging in age from nursery school to high school. I was able to speak to women who had children similar ages to mine. “How did you tell them? What did you tell them? How much information is appropriate for my son/daughter?” These are the most common questions that I have been asked. I would like to think that when I say the words “You're going to be okay and your kids will be too,” the women with whom I speak can exhale and believe that it is possible.

It’s amazing how much Sharsheret has grown over the last ten years. Instead of eight women, there are over 1,000 women in Sharsheret’s Peer Support Network, providing and receiving vital support during a difficult time in our lives. Sharsheret fills this need with the greatest of care, love, and compassion. I feel truly blessed and very lucky to be a part of this incredible organization.

I've Never Been So Elated To Be Negative!

By: Jennifer Coleman, Sharsheret Peer Supporter

Today I received some of the best, most relieving news of my life: I tested negative for the breast cancer gene!

After losing my mother to breast cancer when she was 47, and I was 15, I asked every OBGYN I saw, at different ages of my life, and in the various states I lived in, if I should be tested for BRCA. To my surprise, all of them said, “No.”

Not long after I married my husband, Jon, in 2008, I read a beautiful breast cancer memoir, Pretty is What Changes, by Jessica Queller. As I read the book, I decided the OBGYNs were wrong: I absolutely should be tested. Jon and I met with a genetic counselor, but realized we weren’t yet ready to go through with the test, which would yield potentially life-altering results.

Two years later, I consulted my mom’s oncologist, who conveniently is a close cousin. He strongly agreed I should be tested. When I went for my annual OBGYN appointment in June, my doctor set up the test, despite her obvious belief that it was unnecessary. Although the test was scheduled for August, I told my dad and friends that it would be in the fall, in case I tested positive and needed time to process the information alone first.

When I woke with a major bout of anxiety on the day of the test, I quickly called my dad, who was my rock and fellow soldier during my mom’s breast cancer battle two decades earlier. He calmed me down with fatherly facts about breast cancer genetics, as well as kindness and support. He expressed that he had a strong feeling, beyond just a hope, that my results would be negative, which is exactly what Jon and I felt.

That afternoon, I paced up and down the waiting room at the breast center for 45 minutes, which felt like 45 days. Finally, I proceeded to an exam room where a nurse recorded my family history. I was given two small cups of mouthwash and swished each for 30 seconds, then spit into a vial to give a DNA sample. I left the breast center with, if not a fresh attitude, then at least a fresh mouth! They said I’d receive a call with the results in two to three weeks. I told Jon and my dad that the results would come in six weeks - for this high-anxiety waiting game, I wanted no pressure.

The good news came less than a week later. I sobbed happily while the nurse told me I should begin yearly mammograms at 34 (I already began at 30, per my cousin’s advice) and continue self-exams and regular OBGYN visits.

Caring for and helping others is one of my greatest pleasures. Serving as a Sharsheret Peer Supporter will allow me to support women who, like me, have scary but valid genetic-based questions regarding their chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Ask Your DNA

By: Lisa Friedman, Ph.D., Sharsheret Peer Supporter

I recently attended the annual conference for FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), the national organization for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. I was so happy to see Sharsheret’s exhibit booth there, because I realize what an important issue genetic cancer is for the Jewish community - and how so few women and men know that they are at risk. Sharsheret was a great help to me when I first needed to understand what it meant for me, as a Jewish woman, to be BRCA positive. I found information I urgently needed from Sharsheret's resources and website.

This is the information I wish I had known earlier in my own life: 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carries a BRCA mutation that leads to extraordinarily high rates of genetic cancer in women. Women who carry a mutation have up to an 87% lifetime risk of breast cancer, and a 27% - 44% risk of ovarian cancer, depending on which kind of mutation they carry. BRCA mutations can lead to increased risk of cancers affecting men as well, such as prostate or pancreatic cancers, male breast cancer, and melanoma.

If women know about their risk ahead of time, they can choose from a wide range of options to help them find their cancer early or even to prevent it altogether. While recent research estimates that one million people in the U.S. carry high-risk BRCA mutations, only 5% of them know. I was one of those 95% who didn’t know, and I learned the hard way about the difference between knowing and not knowing.

I remember seeing articles about the BRCA gene in women’s magazines, but I always skipped right over them. My grandmothers had each lived long, healthy lives well into their eighties, and I never knew to look to my grandfathers’ sides of the family. I also never knew that the ovarian and pancreatic cancer in my family could be BRCA-related. Breast cancer seemed so separate — I never thought about it as genetically interlinked with other cancers. My doctors didn’t seem to know either. I have the classic family history that indicates testing is important: I am Ashkenazi Jewish, my mom died of ovarian cancer, and her father died of pancreatic cancer. Yet, not a single doctor ever suggested I check my DNA.

I ran into information on genetics by chance, as part of a research project on the future of healthcare. I was looking over a website for my project, when I noticed that it offered genetic testing that could help Ashkenazi Jews check for their risk of ovarian cancer. After talking with their genetic counselor, I signed up for a test.

I was shocked to discover I tested positive for one of the three BRCA mutations so common for Ashkenazi Jews. Once I learned I was at high risk, I had more extensive screening for cancer that I never would have had otherwise. After a completely normal mammogram, my MRI showed I already had breast cancer. I never would have had this MRI if my genes hadn’t provided advance warning about my risk. Learning my DNA potentially saved my life.

The Triumphant Call of the Shofar

By: Shera Dubitsky, Clinical Supervisor

Beginning in the Hebrew month of Elul until Yom Kippur, we hear the piercing notes of the Shofar and listen intently to its sounds. The reverberations of the Shofar can be heard in times of battle. I liken the sound to a heart beat. Most of the time, our hearts beat with a steady rhythm. We go about our regular routines, taking care of our families, meeting deadlines at work, volunteering in the community, spending time with friends. Tekiah. There are times when we are challenged, perhaps with a knowledge that one is a carrier of the BRCA mutation, or that one has been diagnosed with cancer or a recurrence. The rhythm of our hearts change reflecting our anxiety, our fears. Shevarim. Deep within the battle, our heart beat quickens as our anxiety heightens, and our fears overwhelm us. Teruah.

We don’t hear these sounds once. We hear the cycle of the Shofar notes throughout the holiday season, alternating between the steady calm notes of Tekiah to the quickened sounds of Teruah. So too, with the rhythm and challenges of our lives. When faced with difficult news, remember that with each Shevarim and Teruah, we return to the calmness of the single sound of Tekiah.

The Shofar can be a wake up call to stop and take time for introspection. As we listen to the notes of the Shofar, we can become aware of the changes of our beating heart. It is a reminder to attend to our bodies, to our instincts, to our emotions. The sounding of the Shofar can help us refocus and make sure that we are taking care of our hearts, minds, and souls. When we pay attention to the inner and outer sounds, we hear the last blast of the Shofar, a signal of hope and triumph. Tekiah Gedolah.

Shana Tova,

Shera

Vote for Rochelle Shoretz as your Jewish Community Hero!

Rochelle Shoretz
Teaneck, New Jersey

How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?

A self starting figure at the helm of Sharsheret, a national breast cancer organization, Rochelle is a Jewish Hero to the thousands of young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer today and to the Jewish community. Through her own breast cancer diagnosis, at the young age of 28, Rochelle saw a critical unmet need for support and resources for young women and families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing this disease. Rochelle's commitment to filling this void has developed into a virtual lifeline for thousands of Jewish women and families facing illness who are coming face to face with isolation, fear, and their own mortality. The foundation for Sharsheret, Hebrew for "chain" or "connections", is built upon Rochelle's tremendous drive to serve the entire Jewish people, her determination to eradicate the stigma surrounding breast cancer so common in the Jewish community, and her understanding that bringing people together with similar life experiences is vital to the healing process.

How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?

I heard Rochelle speak soon after she founded Sharsheret following her first breast cancer diagnosis. Compelled to join her on her mission, I joined Sharsheret as a volunteer. I was so inspired by Rochelle's boundless energy, incredible intelligence, and deep commitment to the Jewish community that I chose to further my own career as a staff member at Sharsheret. I continue to be inspired every day as I work closely with Rochelle, who selflessly dedicates her life to thousands of others facing breast cancer as she fights her own battle, living with Stage 4 breast cancer.

To vote for Rochelle click here.

Ovarian Health 101 National Teleconference

Register Today With Team Sharsheret NYC!

Register with Team Sharsheret today and join thousands of women and men gathering in New York City's Central Park to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, a monumental breast cancer fundraising and awareness event to be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010*, 8:30 a.m. To join Team Sharsheret now, please register online at http://www.komennyc.org/, click on "Race For The Cure" click on "Join a Race Team," and type Sharsheret.

To purchase Team Sharsheret T-shirts and Tank Tops, please click here or call (866) 474-2774.

To sponsor Team Sharsheret today and feature your company on our Race T-shirts, please e-mail events@sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774. Deadline for Team Sponsorship is this Friday, August 13th.

*Fast of Gedaliah - All participants, walkers, and volunteers welcome.

Early Detection is Still the Best Way to Fight Breast Cancer

By: Lisa Weinstock, M.D., Sharsheret Volunteer

This year’s Sharsheret Benefit was a great tribute to the women (and the fabulous male speaker) who have faced cancer in battle – and survived. The support Sharsheret gives to women going through the difficult emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment is priceless. I heard more than one woman talk about how much it meant to come home from the hospital to find Sharsheret’s Pillow of Support waiting to provide comfort. But I was even more heartened to hear Sharsheret encourage women to be vigilant in keeping their screening appointments. Early detection is still the best weapon in the war on cancer. But not all mammograms are created equal – and early detection often requires more than an annual mammogram.

We are all ready to bolt when the mammogram technician takes a few views and sends us on our way. But we do so at our peril. It is critical that more than the standard four views are taken and that they are read by a specialist in breast imaging who knows what to look for.

If you have been told you have dense breast tissue, additional testing is a must. In 2009, Connecticut passed a law that radiologists must tell patients when they have dense breast tissue and recommend an ultrasound. Here’s the reason: small tumors are visible as white spots on mammograms and can be obscured by dense tissue that also shows up white. On an ultrasound, the tissue images are gray so any area of white stands out. I know several women who had cancers diagnosed from an ultrasound that were hidden on mammograms. Additional tests such as MRI or molecular breast imaging are even more sensitive and can show tumors other tests miss. My patients hear me say that finding breast cancer is like a puzzle and each screening method helps put the pieces together.

So, when your radiologist recommends more than the standard views of an annual mammogram, and additional screening beyond your mammogram, don’t ignore the advice. We are not trying to make your life more difficult. We are trying to save it.

DISCLAIMER

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE BLOG ARE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL USERS AND NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF SHARSHERET. ALTHOUGH SHARSHERET WILL BE MODERATING ALL MESSAGES POSTED TO THE BLOG, WE DO NOT CONFIRM OR WARRANT THE USEFULNESS, ACCURACY, OR COMPLETENESS OF ANY MESSAGES AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS RELATED TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION. SHARSHERET DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES WITH REGARD TO INFORMATION OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR WARRANTIES OF TITLE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE TO YOU OR A THIRD PARTY FOR ANY ACTION, OR FAILURE TO ACT BASED ON RELIANCE ON THE CONTENT POSTED ON THE BLOG. ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

Sharsheret Voted AEPi National Philanthropy!

By: Ellen Kleinhaus, Project Manager and Campus Liaison

I had the privilege of spending this past weekend with Sharsheret’s Founder and Executive Director Rochelle Shoretz at the Alpha Epsilon Pi International Convention in New Orleans.

“As a young woman, I likely fantasized about talking about breasts in a room of 450 men, but I never imagined it would be in this context,” were Rochelle’s opening words as she presented "Sharsheret On Your Campus" to an audience of more than 400 AEPi brothers. She began the presentation surrounded by laughter and finished with a roaring standing ovation. At that moment we knew that together, AEPi and Sharsheret would “Change the Face of Breast Cancer”.

Thank you to AEPi for choosing Sharsheret as one of your national philanthropies and to all the AEPi brothers from across the country who introduced themselves to us and made us feel so welcome. We truly value the knowledge you shared with us over the weekend - your insight into life on campus, the multitude of funny stories, detailed advice about our presentation, and innovative suggestions for campus events. We were most overwhelmed by YOUR gratitude to us for bringing Sharsheret into your lives. We were touched by how many of you thanked us for letting you know that you have a place to send your sisters, mothers, and grandmothers diagnosed with breast cancer for support.

Special thanks to Andy Borans, Adam Teitlebaum, Michael Waitz, Sam Zitin, and the AEPi Philanthropy Task Force for making this partnership possible. Your encouragement and support is so meaningful and we are grateful for our new partnership and our many new friends. We look forward to growing our Sharsheret on Campus program and working with all of our campus partners - AEPhi Sorority, AEPi Fraternity, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and Chabad on Campus International Foundation - in the years ahead.

Tracing my Family History Destroyed by the Holocaust

By: Rose Brystowski, Sharsheret Peer Supporter

Everyone has fantasies. I fantasize about long-lost relatives. We are reunited, living close, and sharing happy lives together. Unfortunately, fantasies are just that - dreams. It is hard enough living with only memories and tales. No grandparents, very few aunts and uncles, no cousins. But even worse than that is having no family history.

When my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the first questions her medical team asked was did she have a family history of breast cancer? What do we say when we have no family history at all? We have a few facts and a lot of maybe’s. Maybe if our ancestors hadn’t died during the Holocaust they would have had cancer. Maybe if they were not exterminated they would have lived long lives.

When I went for my genetic counseling appointment, the genetic counselor gave me a large chart to help trace my family history and identify known BRCA gene carriers and breast cancer survivors. My chart was basically empty. We don't have a past. Many people feel the anger all over again, how we suffer even now 60 years after the Holocaust ended. I try to move forward and I don't linger with the absence of history. I feel that I must do something now, for my children, for my husband. Although I don't have a history of breast cancer with my known family, my children do. They know I am BRCA positive, they know I have options and medical support, they know that when presented with an obstacle we must face it and overcome it. History doesn't change the now or the future.

When faced with a major life-changing event we often want to share the news, whether it’s good news or bad. My sister's diagnosis in October of 2008 was such an event. But not everyone wants to share this news. In addition, not everyone “gets it”. They don't know the shock and fear we go through when presented with such a challenge. I began talking to friends who either had a relative dealing with breast cancer or were survivors themselves. While watching our sons playing basketball, we talked about Sharsheret. When I received the news that I was BRCA positive I contacted Sharsheret and was linked to another woman who had faced the same news. She gave me insight and information, but most importantly, she calmed me and I am so grateful for that. Now that I am finishing my reconstruction, I want to help others and provide them with basic information, including what to expect after surgery, how it affects your relationships, and how to deal with it all with humor and a sense of balance. I tell people we are now part of a small and exclusive group and we must help each other.

Sharsheret Teleconference and Webinar Explored the Connection Between the Holocaust and Breast Cancer

Sharsheret's national teleconference and webinar, The Impact of the Holocaust on Breast Cancer in Jewish Families Today, recorded on July 14, 2010, featured Lital Keinan-Boker, MD, PhD, MPH, Faculty Member of the Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Rifky Atkin, Sharsheret Link and Child of Holocaust Survivors, and Niecee Schonberger, MS, CGC, Genetics Program Coordinator, Sharsheret. The panelists addressed the research study demonstrating a higher incidence of breast cancer among Jews living in Europe during the Holocaust, challenges of tracing family cancer histories destroyed during the Holocaust, and concerns of Jewish women and families considering genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer.

Listen to Sharsheret’s National Teleconference and Webinar, The Impact of the Holocaust on Breast Cancer in Jewish Families Today.



To download a written transcript, please click here.

Watch an exclusive interview with Rochelle Shoretz on New Jersey People with Steve Adubato!

Rochelle Shoretz, Founder and Executive Director of Sharsheret

Good Luck Team Sharsheret!

Dear Linda, Chani, Gila, Cheryl, Joe and Moe,

Less than a year ago, Moe Rice and I began discussing the ways in which Sharsheret could generate awareness about our 10 national programs. His big beef with me – and rightly so – was that more people needed to know about all that we are doing for thousands of families nationwide. By combining his passion for racing with his dedication to the cause of breast cancer, Moe committed to spearheading Team Sharsheret. Working with Scott Berlinger at Full Throttle and Ellen Kleinhaus of Sharsheret’s staff, we began pulling together materials, designing a Team that would raise not only critical funds for the organization, but incredible awareness about all of the good that those funds were generating for young women and families facing breast cancer.

You are less than 48 hours away from helping us turn our vision to reality. Team Sharsheret – all of you – has raised almost $50,000 and brought more than 200 new families into our circle. I can only imagine how many lives will be saved, and how many more will be bettered, because of all that you have done.

On Sunday, when you hit the water, hop on your bike, and cross the finish line, please know that you are racing for all of us fighting breast cancer. We are so thankful for your energy, your passion, and your dedication to Sharsheret.

Looking forward to celebrating with all of you!

With deep gratitude on behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of Sharsheret,

Rochelle Shoretz
Executive Director

Linda Gerstel

Cheryl Lasher

Gila Leiter

Chani Tiegman

Joseph Lerner

Facing breast cancer at 36…now what?

By: Pamela Wolfe, Sharsheret Peer Supporter

Every day for the past two and a half years, breast cancer has been a part of my life. It is a subject I live and breathe, and on any occasion, I’ll gladly try to educate others or answer questions. It is a subject I feel very knowledgeable about since I took the crash course, “So you are 36 and have breast cancer….now what?” I was very lucky though, because I had fantastic friends and family who held me up and helped me through my personal battle.

When my Hadassah chapter asked me to share my experience as a young Jewish woman with breast cancer at a local event, I happily accepted, eager to speak about a disease I feel I can’t do enough about. I was asked to highlight 5 unique things I learned that others might not know, which made me question what was unique about my experience? Doesn’t every woman know about breast cancer? It made me realize that while most women do know about breast cancer, they probably don’t know about the challenges faced by a 36 year-old woman who didn’t want to be treated like she was diagnosed at 65, who still had a dream of starting a family someday, and who chose not to do chemo in favor a new treatment protocol.

I shared the intimate details of my ”new” world, one where I take pills in the morning that have life-altering side effects, but are the key to sustaining my life. For me, it is life. For the people listening, it is a side of breast cancer they never knew about. I have had the honor of being part of Sharsheret’s Link Program and using my personal experience to help other young Jewish women facing breast cancer. I am one of the truly blessed ones. I am fighting and surviving. I feel as if the reason I am still here, alive today, is to do just what I have done: educate women, raise awareness, and help others fight the fight.

Watch an exclusive interview with Team Sharsheret Triathlete Linda Gerstel on Fox 5 NY!

The Holocaust & Breast Cancer: Exploring the Connection

Click here to register for the Teleconference and Webinar.

Click here to register for the Teleconference and Webinar.

This Teleconference and Webinar was made possible with support from

and the Julius and Emmy Hamburger Memorial Fund.

Watch Celebrity “Survivor” Ethan Zohn Live at Sharsheret’s Benefit!

Watch exclusive footage of Ethan Zohn, 2002 winner of the reality television show Survivor, as he addressed more than 450 men and women at Sharsheret’s Annual Benefit held on May 16th.

Two Great Opportunities To Join Team Sharsheret NYC!

Two Great Opportunities To Join Team Sharsheret NYC!

• Apply now for one of Sharsheret's 5 slots for the ING New York City Marathon, Sunday, November 7th. To be considered for a slot, e-mail athletes@sharsheret.org and include your name, phone number, a brief description of yourself, and why you want to join Team Sharsheret. Sharsheret will provide race training, a Team Sharsheret shirt, and a personalized fundraising page with your agreement to raise a minimum of $5,000 in support of our national programs. Applications are due this Friday, June 11th.
• Join Team Sharsheret at the NYC Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Sunday, September 12th. Help us build the largest community team for the 6th consecutive year! To register, visit http://www.komennyc.org/, choose "Race for the Cure", "Join A Race Team", and then select Sharsheret. Register before July 15th and save $10.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Team Sharsheret!

For more information, please e-mail athletes@sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774.

Chai Survivor – Celebrating 18 years and turning 50

By: Bonnie Stein, Sharsheret Peer Supporter

I do not believe my story to be unique, my journey special or my life inspiring, even though for years people have been telling me just that. I will admit that being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at the age of 32, the mother of two small children (then ages 5 and 3), married for nine years, and working full-time outside the home did put me in a club that I was not looking to join, where few others my age were to be found.

Have you heard of people having a sixth sense? That is the only explanation I can think of for the fact that I received a mammogram at such a young age. I had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right and after calling my internist to inquire why women should wait until they are 35 to receive this test; my doctor chose to think outside the box and send me for a mammogram based on my instincts. On April 21st, 1992 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Three days later, I had a modified radical mastectomy with 16 lymph nodes removed. Two positive nodes were found, which put me at Stage 2, but other than that my body was completely clear of any cancer. It was ironic hearing medical personnel continually call me an “otherwise healthy 32 year-old.” On April 26th I was released from the hospital with drainage tubes. The next day my daughter came down with chicken pox and two days later, my son began the itch. I went from patient mode to mother mode and never looked back.

Enduring eight months of chemotherapy (my doctor warned me that it would be very aggressive because he never wanted me walking through his doors again), one hospital stay, one blood transfusion, and enough viral and bacterial infections to last a lifetime, I had learned things about myself, my husband, my family, and my friends that would make me look back at this time and actually be grateful.

December 1992 marked the end of chemotherapy and beginning of preparations for plastic surgery. In an ironic twist, silicone implants had just been taken off the market for all breast reconstruction “except for breast cancer patients.” My doctor and I actually laughed when he told me this as we wondered what message was embedded in that sentiment. Needless to say, I chose the saline implants. Today there are so many options and so many advancements in treatment that it can almost be tailor-made to each situation.

I did not survive breast cancer - I lived it and lived my life every day. I made a commitment to my family that we would not let this define me or us. We would continue to do everything we always did. I would not miss a concert, recital, school conference or work. With the help of family and friends, we thrived and I would like to think I set an example of empowerment for all of them. Today, my children are 23 and 21 years-old. My son goes to the doctor regularly and listens to his body. My daughter is very knowledgeable about breast cancer and Jewish genetic diseases. She is proactive with her own health care and knows the importance of regular check-ups.

While attending the University of Wisconsin, my daughter joined the Jewish sorority AEPhi. As it happens, Sharsheret is AEPhi’s national philanthropy and as soon as my daughter told me about the organization and how she raised breast cancer awareness on campus, I immediately went online to find out how I could get involved. I signed up as a peer supporter and hope to help other women facing breast cancer through sharing my own experience.

My husband and I will celebrate, and we always celebrate good things, 28 years of marriage this August. It has been 18 years since that April day when I had my breast removed. My sister-in-law asked me a day before my surgery, “How do you feel about having your breast removed?,” and my answer was and would still be, “They can take my arm, leg or any other body part, because that is all they are, body parts. I just want to be here to see my kids graduate high school.” Well, I made it and I’m looking forward to weddings and grandchildren!

Want a slot in the ING New York City Marathon this November?

Have you ever dreamed of running the ING New York City Marathon? Now your dream can come true! Team Sharsheret has 5 slots for the ING New York City Marathon on November 7, 2010!

We:

• Provide a coveted slot in the ING New York City Marathon
• Present a training schedule motivating you to complete the 26.2 mile course
• Offer training tips, a pre-event kit and a post-event celebration
• Dress you in an official Team Sharsheret shirt
• Provide you with a personalized fundraising page and support with fundraising initiatives
• Surround you with athletes who will motivate and inspire you to reach the finish line in support of the young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer served by Sharsheret 

You:

• Agree to raise a minimum of $5,000 for Team Sharsheret to support our national programs and spread the word about the important work that we do nationwide
• Register for the ING New York City Marathon on our site
• Notify friends and family of your participation in the ING New York City Marathon

Have the competitive experience of a lifetime!

For more information about joining Team Sharsheret this year, please e-mail athletes@sharsheret.org with your name, phone number, and a brief description of yourself and why you want to join Team Sharsheret. The deadline to apply for a slot is June 11, 2010.

See you at the finish line!

Sleepless Nights and Cheesecake - Happy Shavuot!

By: Shera Dubitsky, Clinical Supervisor

When most people think about the holiday of Shavuot, I imagine that the first association is with the receiving of the Torah. It is tradition to stay up all night learning and studying. Another coveted tradition is eating dairy throughout the duration of this holiday. So, it all comes down to sleepless nights and cheesecake. Sound familiar? I suppose that when you are hit with a diagnosis of cancer, there are probably many sleepless nights and binging on cakes (well, maybe not while undergoing chemo).

There are a plethora of articles out there about healthy lifestyles and nutrition when it comes to living with cancer. Judaism also purports leading a healthy, balanced life. How do we then make sense of celebrating this holiday via a sleepless night and cheesecake? What are the takeaways?

• Perhaps it’s okay to stay up every once in a while or have a decadent treat on occasion, without beating yourself up about it. 
• On the topic of healthy lifestyles and nutrition, it is important to take care of yourselves. I encourage all of you to download and read the transcript from Sharsheret’s Symposium, "Surviving Young: Life after Breast Cancer", for tips on diet, exercise, and healthy living.  
• Sometimes you may find yourselves pushing beyond your limits; however, you may learn things about your strength and resolve that until now have remained hidden.  

I wish you a very happy holiday and a Chag Sameach,

Shera

Text For Your Next Mammogram

Join Sharsheret and Ping Mobile as we launch the “Text For Your Next”^SM mobile alert campaign to promote breast health awareness. Text the word “Sharsheret” and we’ll send you a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram, ultrasound, or other breast cancer screening in six months. The campaign will be launched live at our Annual Benefit, this Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, New Jersey.

But there’s no need to wait until Sunday. Start texting today! To participate in the “Text For Your Next”^SM mobile campaign and to receive your personalized screening reminder, text the word “Sharsheret”, hit the space key, and type your first and last name (without a space between the names) to 74642.

From One of Our Mothers to Yours

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’d like to share a meaningful e-mail we received from the mother of one of our Callers. Wishing all of our readers a very happy Mother’s Day!

“You so graciously sent a package of toys for my grandchildren, information packets, a magnificent pillow and other materials to my daughter. I literally cried when she told me about the toy package; the pillow arrived as she was in surgery. I had known about Sharsheret for a number of years, but I had no idea of the scope of the organization. I am so very grateful to you and the work that the dedicated volunteers and staff perform. I, too, had breast cancer and I understand the emotional turmoil this disease causes. My daughter still has a way to go in her treatment, but knowing that you are behind young women and able to provide practical and emotional support is reassuring. Thank you.”
- Mother of a Sharsheret Caller

One Survivor Among Scientists

By: Rochelle Shoretz, Executive Director

I recently returned from a five day conference hosted by the American Association of Cancer Research, in which I participated as a member of the Survivor-Scientist Program. It was an opportunity for those scientists at the heart of cancer research to meet and speak with cancer survivors. And it was an incredible opportunity for us – survivors of all forms of cancer - to meet those taking steps towards a cure. More than anything, I left the conference hopeful – not because of any promising discovery or treatment – but because of the sheer number of men and women dedicated to the science of cancer. Like you, I’ve read about clinical trials in the newspaper, and even participated in a few coordinated by various hospitals and medical institutions in whose waiting rooms I’ve spent too many hours. But I didn’t quite realize the depth of research being done on the genetic level – an entire “basement” of research in which scientists are attempting to map the sequencing of our genome and generate tailored cancer treatments on the basis of those unique maps. The plenary sessions were packed with thousands of research scientists – in rooms as large as a football field and, in some cases, with graphs and slides as difficult for me to follow as a football game! It was one of the few experiences of my life in which I felt grateful to be overwhelmed.

Join Us In Jerusalem!

By: Elana Silber, Director of Operations

What a monumental day for Sharsheret! Sitting in the front row at an historic Press Conference at Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Washington, DC last Wednesday, Rochelle Shoretz and I were thrilled to hear Nancy Brinker, the Founder of Komen, name Sharsheret as a partner in the first ever Israel Race for the Cure to be held in Jerusalem. In the months ahead, Sharsheret will work closely with Komen and share with you details about the October Race and related events, which will include a week of programming on enhancing advocacy, awareness, screening and treatment of breast cancer in Israel and worldwide. It was most inspiring to hear from the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barakat, as he described how the Israel Race will “open the gates of Jerusalem to all those who want to see a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.” This October, thousands of young Jewish women and families will come together in Jerusalem for a common cause. Please join us as we cross the finish line together and take one step closer to the cure.

Watch Sheryl Crow and Sharsheret today on The Dr. Oz Show!

Tune in today to watch Sharsheret's Founder and Executive Director Rochelle Shoretz participate in a taping of an episode of The Dr. Oz Show addressing breast cancer risk and prevention. The episode features singer-songwriter and breast cancer survivor Sheryl Crow, who will discuss her breast cancer experience and answer questions from select audience members, including Rochelle! Click here to find out what time and channel the show will air in your area.

Team Sharsheret Runs the MORE Half-Marathon

By: Ellen Kleinhaus, Sharsheret Project Manager

When you are training for a half-marathon, why doesn’t anyone tell you that it can rain? And rain it did! This past Sunday, April 26th, Team Sharsheret members Dana Adler, Nikki Sausen, and myself ran, despite a heavy downpour, in the women’s only MORE Half-Marathon through Central Park in New York City. Running with 10,000 other women was truly inspiring. I was also fortunate to have my sister-in-law, Michelle, run alongside me. She was an amazing motivator and didn’t let me quit until we reached the finish line. As we ran, Michelle repeated the same words of encouragement that kept me going, “This run is for you, it’s your run!”

This morning, I reflected on what running with Team Sharsheret meant to me. We ran the half-marathon to raise breast cancer awareness and funds to support Sharsheret’s vital programs for Jewish women and families facing breast cancer. I recognized the parallel between my “coach” Michelle and the support and services we provide to the women and families who call Sharsheret. Just as my “coach” was there for me (especially between mile 10 and 11 when I really wanted to stop and walk!), the Sharsheret staff is there for the women who call for support, for the families who need direction, for the college students educating their peers about breast cancer, and for the healthcare providers who want to learn more about the specific needs of Jewish women. It makes me proud to be a part of both the Team that ran the half-marathon and the Team at Sharsheret.

Congratulations to all of my fellow runners! You are amazing and we did it! Can’t wait to do it again next year!

My Family’s Breast Cancer History: KNOWLEDGE is power!

By: Sharsheret Link Program Peer Supporter

Seven years after my aunt survived breast cancer, she learned that she was a BRCA2 gene carrier and had the incredible burden of responsibility to share this with our family. We soon learned that not only was my paternal aunt a carrier but so was my dad and, so was I. As a BRCA2 gene carrier, I learned that I could have up to an 87% chance of getting breast cancer and up to a 40% chance of getting ovarian cancer in my lifetime. These were truly life-changing statistics. As a healthy 36-year-old with 3 young children, married to my best friend, sitting back and “waiting” was not an option for me.

My husband and I made several appointments with breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, etc., as we researched the risk factors for a BRCA2 carrier. We knew that living with this risk, in fear at each mammogram, would not work for us. Staying ahead of breast cancer was what we needed to do. I decided, with the love and support of my husband and family, to have a prophylactic double mastectomy with skin-sparing reconstruction. This seemed absolutely absurd in some ways – to take a perfectly healthy body and perform this type of surgery on it – preventively, but the alternative seemed too risky for me. But, I must say, this is a very individual choice and not a choice that all of my friends or family members would make. Even my aunt, a survivor and BRCA2 gene carrier, did not feel comfortable with the idea of having a prophylactic mastectomy. My sister, also unfortunately a BRCA2 carrier, did not feel comfortable with this choice either.

My breast surgeon advised me to schedule a breast MRI “just to have a baseline.” Even though I had consistently gone for breast exams, mammograms, and sonograms since the age of 30 (due to my family history), she strongly recommended this as well. I went for the baseline MRI and within 2 hours of the test, received a call from her with the devastating news that they discovered some “suspicious areas for breast cancer.” This came as a complete shock - I was just doing this to obtain a baseline. The next day I went back for the sonogram guided biopsies and days later received my formal diagnosis that I actually had invasive lobular breast cancer in my left breast – one that was so hidden between the sheets of breast tissue that it had never been detected by any of the breast exams, mammograms or sonograms over the past several years.

Ten days later my double mastectomy (and reconstruction), not prophylactic anymore, took place. A few weeks after that, I started chemotherapy, which lasted for 4 months. Shortly after the chemo treatments were completed, I had the second surgery for the implants to be placed and, at the same time, opted to do a prophylactic laparoscopic oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries) to prevent the 40% risk of developing ovarian cancer. At this point, after all we went through, I couldn’t leave any stone unturned as I knew my risk for this cancer as well. Even though ovarian cancer does not run in my family, every single doctor that we consulted encouraged us to undergo this procedure after we were finished having children to help shut down estrogen in the body (which could also “feed” breast cancer). After 4 weeks, I was scheduled to complete the last part of my treatment, which was 6 weeks of daily radiation. What a journey this has been! Ironically, the prophylactic surgery that we were opting to do to prevent breast cancer became the mandatory treatment (along with chemotherapy and radiation) for ridding my body of this silent disease.

My family has put many pieces together in this puzzle. The BRCA2 gene runs on the paternal side of my family and I learned that my great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, too, had breast cancer. Now, it is just incredulous to realize that this has been going on in my family for at least 5 generations! My aunt recently had a change of heart and underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy because she realized the impact it had on my survival and that it could actually look so good. My sister, too, had a change of heart and, as soon as I got the MRI results, chose to make this difficult decision and had a prophylactic double mastectomy to stay ahead of the risk.

I am honored, privileged, and grateful to be on the other side of this now and have been done with my treatments for 3 months. Above all, I have never lost my faith. With faith, you can conquer everything. It has no bounds and no limits. It often explains the unexplainable and gives you the courage to fight battles and make choices that you never knew or imagined would be yours to make. It helps to bring peacefulness to the insanity in life and magnifies beauty in everything. Thank you, G-d, for the many blessings and miracles that you have bestowed upon us.

I feel wonderfully well, and have an even stronger, deeper appreciation for everything in life. I heard about Sharsheret from my cousin and from a friend and I actually met Sharsheret’s Founder and Executive Director Rochelle Shoretz at a Hadassah event on Long Island. She was just amazing and I related to her positive energy. I knew when my time came to "give back" and/or get involved, my first choice would be Sharsheret for all that the organization represents and does for Jewish women. I feel so blessed to have a second chance and am committed to “paying it forward.” I look forward to serving as a Sharsheret peer supporter and helping other women in this fight with love, strength, fortitude, and faith.

“Kosher for Passover” Food for Thought

By: Shera Dubitsky, MEd, MA, Sharsheret Clinical Supervisor
As I dusted off my Hagaddah in preparation for the upcoming holiday of Passover, I took a few moments to scan the text. I recognized that this ancient story possessed many current themes that can help inspire us as we emotionally and spiritually prepare for this holiday.

• Passover is a holiday focused on remembering how the Jews were slaves in Egypt and granted their freedom. Why is it so important that we remember this yearly? This can be a time of year to reflect on what enslaves you personally. Is it your thoughts? Toxic relationships? Cancer? What can you do to free yourself?

• In order for matzah to be kosher for Passover, it must be baked for exactly 18 minutes. The matzah has the undivided attention of the baker to make sure it is kosher. Imagine if you had 18 minutes of undivided attention from your loved ones, what would you want to say to them? What messages would you want to convey?

• The Seder includes the four sons: The son who does not know how to ask, simple son, wicked son, and wise son. Think about this in terms of your illness:

• Son who does not know how to ask - When you were first diagnosed with breast cancer, I suspect you didn’t know where to turn, what questions to ask.
• Simple son - Perhaps with limited knowledge about the disease, you let your doctor take the lead. As time passed, you acquired more knowledge, researched more, and became a partner in treatment decisions.
• Wicked son - At some point in your cancer journey did you act on your feelings of anger? Resentment? Rebellion?
• Wise son - Having been touched by breast cancer, you have certainly acquired increased knowledge about the illness. What other knowledge have you acquired? What wisdom have you gained?

We hope you find these questions thoughtful and reflective. We wish all of our readers a wonderful and meaningful holiday.

Are You At Risk? Our Community's Response to Breast Cancer

Please join us as we collaborate with Jewish organizations in Florida to present “ARE YOU AT RISK? Our Community’s Response to Breast Cancer.” Panelists Dr. Alajandra Perez (Memorial Breast Cancer Centers), Hon. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (US House of Representatives), and Rochelle Shoretz (Founder and Executive Director, Sharsheret) will address a variety of topics, including risk factors for the Jewish woman (under 40 years old), facing breast cancer as a Jewish woman, community support, services and resources, and advocacy. To register, please visit http://www.jewishbroward.org/ or call (954) 434-0499, ext. 336. This event is free of charge and is sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Meet Celebrity "Survivor" Ethan Zohn!

Ethan Zohn, 2002 winner of the reality television show Survivor, will be the Keynote Speaker at Sharsheret’s Annual Benefit Luncheon on Sunday, May 16, 2010 in Teaneck, New Jersey. Select guests will also have the opportunity to meet Ethan at an exclusive pre-program reception. For more information about the Luncheon and meeting Ethan Zohn at the reception, please call Sharsheret toll-free at (866) 474-2774 or e-mail events@sharsheret.org. For seat reservations and contributions, please click here. For driving directions, please click here.