Sharsheret Celebrates 10 Years Of Partnership With Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority At Annual Convention

Sharsheret Celebrates 10 Years Of Partnership With Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority At Annual Convention

Teaneck, New Jersey (June 30, 2017) – Sharsheret, the only national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer, celebrated their 10th anniversary with the Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) sorority at their annual convention last week in Norfolk, Virginia.

The convention was attended by 200 collegiates and alumnae and highlighted Sharsheret and the organization’s partnership with AEPhi. Celebratory activities included a one mile walk around the Hilton Norfolk The Main. AEPhi sisters were encouraged to wear pink to show their solidarity with Sharsheret, and donate a new book for Sharsheret’s Busy Box Program. The day continued with a special lunch of pink delicacies, and recognized those sisters and chapters who have made a significant impact on the women and families Sharsheret serves.

“Our relationship with AEPhi is a true testament of what it means to have a successful partnership,” said Executive Director Elana Silber. “AEPhi’s commitment to Sharsheret as their national philanthropy has helped educate and empower thousands of sisters across the country to spread awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genetics, and demonstrate how Sharsheret can support those facing breast and ovarian cancer. We can’t change the odds but together we can help ensure that no woman has to face cancer alone.”

“AEPhi’s relationship with Sharsheret is a shining example of what a partnership should look like,” said Executive Director of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority Bonnie Wunsch. “Both our collegians and alumnae have benefited and grown from our working together – whether it be receiving information and education from Sharsheret or sharing information and education about Sharsheret. AEPhi’s look forward to hosting Pink Shabbats and participating in Pink Day ‘from Atlantic to Pacific’ with these events becoming an annual occurrences for so many. We know this relationship will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Sharsheret’s Executive Director Elana Silber, Director of Campus and Community Engagement Ellen Kleinhaus, and Florida Regional Director Briana Schwarz conducted programming sessions and workshops geared to educating the collegiates and alumnae on how they can bring Sharsheret to their communities.

In honor of the 10th anniversary, Elana Silber was inducted as an honorary sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi and Ellen Kleinhaus received the Susan Rudd Cohen Award for Jewish Communal Service.

 

About Sharsheret

Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is the only national organization supporting Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer-those who are diagnosed and those at high risk. Sharsheret is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. To date, we serve more than 65,000 women, families, health care professionals, community leaders, and students from all 50 states. All Sharsheret programs serve all women and men.

As a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Sharsheret shapes messaging and programs at the national level. Recognizing Sharsheret as the model for culturally-relevant breast cancer support, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the organization two multi-year grants to develop support programs. Additionally, Sharsheret participates in psychosocial research studies and evaluations in partnership with federal agencies and major cancer centers, including Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.
Sharsheret offers the following national programs:

The Link Program

Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
EmbraceTM, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer
Genetics for Life®, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Thriving Again®, providing individualized support, education, and survivorship plans for young breast cancer survivors
Busy Box®, for young parents facing breast cancer
Best Face Forward®, addressing the cosmetic side effects of treatment
Family Focus®, providing resources and support for caregivers and family members
Ovarian Cancer Program, tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer
Sharsheret SupportsTM, developing local support groups and programs

Education and Outreach Programs

Health Care Symposia, on issues unique to younger women facing breast cancer
Sharsheret on Campus, outreach and education to students on campus
Sharsheret Educational Resource Booklet Series, culturally-relevant publications for Jewish women and their families and healthcare professionals