Sharsheret Highlights B’nai Mitzvah At 12th Anniversary Benefit

By Cornershop Creative April 11, 2014

Contact: Elana Silber, Director of Operations
Telephone: 866.474.2774
E-Mail: [email protected]

Teaneck, New Jersey (April 11, 2014) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of women and families facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, will celebrate its 12th Anniversary on Sunday, May 4, 2014. The event will attract more than 500 women and men at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey. This year’s Benefit marks a significant milestone for Sharsheret, its Bat Mitzvah year. In celebration, Sharsheret will highlight the organization’s B’nai Mitzvah Program and its participants.

Sharsheret will recognize the incredible contributions of Guest of Honor Blair Muss (NYC), an active Sharsheret peer supporter who speaks with other women facing breast cancer, and Batya Paul (Teaneck, New Jersey), recipient of the Lisa Altman Volunteer Tribute Award. The event will feature a silent auction showcasing valuable gift packages, electronics, jewelry, Judaica, sports memorabilia, and fine dining gift certificates.

“Just as a B’nai Mitzvah comes of age embracing communal responsibility, Sharsheret rejoices at this milestone with renewed strength, dedication, and commitment,” said Director of Operations Elana Silber. “We are truly grateful for the continued dedication that has inspired thousands across the country to join us in our efforts to support Jewish women facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Together we have changed the cancer community, the Jewish community, and the young adult community.” To date, Sharsheret’s B’nai Mitzvah Program has welcomed nearly 100 young adults from across the country who have coordinated creative projects including Sharsheret Pink Shabbat®, challah baking, basketball tournaments, design and craft sales, fashion shows, and outreach to local healthcare professionals and community leaders.

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

About Sharsheret

Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain”, is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.

Since Sharsheret’s founding in 2001, we have responded to more than 30,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 2,500 peer supporters, and presented over 250 educational programs nationwide. Sharsheret supports young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer at every stage – before, during, and after diagnosis. We help women and families connect to our community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis, or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. We also provide educational resources, offer specialized support to those facing ovarian cancer or at high risk of developing cancer, and create programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. All Sharsheret programs are open to all women and men.

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