Sharsheret Honors Long-Time Supporters Linda Gerstel and Ed Joyce, and Alissa Zagha At Annual Benefit
Contact: Elana Silber, Director of Operations
Telephone: 866.474.2774
E-Mail: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (April 15, 2015) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of women and families facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, will host its Annual Benefit on Sunday, May 3, 2015. The event will attract more than 600 women and men at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Sharsheret will recognize the incredible contributions of Guests of Honor Linda Gerstel and Ed Joyce (NYC) and Alissa Zagha (Teaneck, NJ), recipient of the Lisa Altman Volunteer Tribute Award. Linda, a Sharsheret Board Member since 2011, celebrates her tenth year as a breast cancer survivor. Linda and Ed have been repeat members of Team Sharsheret together with their daughters competing in the NYC Triathlon and the NYC Half Marathon. Alissa has been a dedicated Sharsheret volunteer since 2003, working on in-office projects, participating in Team Sharsheret breast cancer walks, chairing the annual Benefit, and exhibiting at national conferences.
The event chairs include Katja Goldman (NYC), Jordana Morgenstern (Scarsdale, NY), Batya Paul (Bergenfield, NJ), Dr. Nancy Siegel (New Rochelle, NY), Dorit Schwartz (Woodmere, NY), and Yocheved Schwartz (Englewood, NJ). The Benefit will feature a silent auction showcasing valuable gift packages, electronics, jewelry, Judaica, sports memorabilia, and fine dining gift certificates led by auction chairs Jennifer Aranoff, Shifra Bendheim, and Zahava Reinhart (Teaneck, NJ).
“This year’s Benefit and video will recognize caregivers – family and friends who provide comfort and support during the cancer journey – as well as Sharsheret’s programs that provide support, resources, and information for the caregivers.” 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 and families facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.”
For seat reservations, please visit www.sharsheret.org/benefit or call 866.474.2774. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ellen Kleinhaus [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 45,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 4,200 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’s 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