Sharsheret Honors Long-Time Supporters Sara Rudoff Olshin, Rena Cole, Alexis Mayer Goldstein and Carly Mayer Fried at Annual Benefit Luncheon

Contact: Jordana Altman, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (May 1, 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, will host its Annual Benefit Luncheon on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 10:30 AM at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey. More than 500 women and men are expected to participate.

Sharsheret will recognize the incredible contributions of Sara Rudoff Olshin (Teaneck, NJ), Benefit Honoree, Rena Cole (NYC), recipient of the Lisa Altman Volunteer Tribute Award, and Alexis Mayer Goldstein and Carly Mayer Fried, Young Leadership Award Recipients (NYC/Philadelphia).

“This year’s Benefit recognizes four incredible women who are helping Sharsheret create a world in which no Jewish woman will have to face breast or ovarian cancer alone,” said Executive Director Elana Silber. “We are truly grateful to the thousands of women and men who advance our efforts to help us change the cancer community and the Jewish community.”

Sara is a nearly 13 year breast cancer survivor and has been involved with Sharsheret since the organization’s early years. Sara served as Sharsheret’s public relations liaison at a time when breast cancer and its effect on young Jewish women was not discussed openly in the Jewish media. She has remained dedicated to Sharsheret as a peer supporter, speaking on college campuses and to corporate partners, and helping to evaluate Sharsheret’s cancer support programs.

Rena is a longtime Sharsheret supporter and volunteer. As a professional with more than 24 years in the financial industry, Rena serves on Sharsheret’s Investment Subcommittee. Rena and her husband, Ephie, are also Sharsheret Jewel donors.

Alexis and Carly first became involved with Sharsheret in 2006 when their mother, Toby, A”H, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Toby was drawn to Sharsheret’s Peer Support Network, initially seeking companionship and ultimately providing guidance and humor to fellow women battling metastatic breast cancer. After their mom passed away in 2011, Alexis and Carly were inspired to spread awareness and provide support for Jewish women and families facing breast cancer. They turned to campus advocacy, support, and fundraising. At the University of Pennsylvania, they introduced a unique model of the Sharsheret Pink Shabbat® program that continues to inspire new students every year.

The Benefit will feature a silent auction with amazing prizes across a variety of categories, and also a raffle to win a Peloton Cycle that includes a one year subscription and a free 13th month. The benefit will debut Sharsheret’s newest video, featuring three women’s cancer journeys including, Sharsheret advocate and supporter, breast and ovarian cancer survivor, and ABC Eyewitness News Anchor, Stacey Sager. The video will be available online following the Benefit at www.sharsheret.org.

For reservations, or to make a donation, please visit www.sharsheret.org/benefit or call 866.474.2774. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ellen Kleinhaus at [email protected].

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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 67,000 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