Sharsheret Recognizes the Center for Jewish Genetics as a Partner of Excellence

By Cornershop Creative September 9, 2014

Contact: Elana Silber, Director of Operations
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]

Teaneck, New Jersey (September 9, 2014) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, is proud to recognize the Center for Jewish Genetics as a Sharsheret Supports Partner of Excellence.The Sharsheret Supports program assists communities in developing and maintaining local, free breast cancer and ovarian cancer programs and support groups. Sharsheret Supports combines local Chicago cancer resources with Sharsheret’s vast national expertise and culturally-sensitive resource materials to enhance the support available to women and families facing cancer. As a Partner of Excellence, the Center for Jewish Genetics will receive financial support and national recognition for its important work.

“Since the launch of Sharsheret Supports in 2007, we have partnered with more than 40 Jewish organizations and cancer organizations across the country to develop and maintain local, culturally-relevant breast cancer and ovarian cancer support and education,” said Director of Operations Elana Silber. “As we begin the second year of our Partners of Excellence program, we are proud to recognize the Center for Jewish Genetics for their efforts and look forward to working together to continue to bring outstanding programming to the Chicago community.”

To learn more about and get involved in the Center for Jewish Genetics’ breast cancer and ovarian cancer programming, contact Karen Litwack at 312.357.4717 or [email protected]. For more information about the Sharsheret Supports Partner of Excellence program, contact Director of Support Programs Adina Fleischmann at 866.474.2774 or [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