Sharsheret Appoints New Medical Advisory Board Members
August 18, 2015
Contact: Elana Silber, Executive Director
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (August 18, 2015) – 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 welcome six new members to its Medical Advisory Board. With a five year federal cooperative agreement from the CDC for the amplification of Sharsheret’s support programming and a newly completed strategic plan focusing on the expansion of Sharsheret’s reach and further development of its infrastructure, the growth of Sharsheret’s Medical Advisory Board ensures its continued advancement and organizational expertise. New Medical Advisory Board members include:
- Dr. Deborah Axelrod, Breast Surgeon, NYU Clinical Cancer Center
- Dr. Tessa Cigler, Medical Oncologist, Weill Cornell Breast Center
- Dr. Karen Hurley, Psychologist, Columbia University
- Dr. Aviva Preminger, Plastic Surgeon, Private Practice
- Ms. Lillie Shockney, Certified Breast Care Nurse, Johns Hopkins Breast Center
- Dr. Kenneth Tercyak, Director of Behavioral Prevention Research, Lombardi Cancer Center
“We are honored to welcome new members to our Medical Advisory Board, experts who are dedicated to sharing Sharsheret’s mission and vision with the national health care community,” said Director of Support Programs Adina Fleischmann. “The commitment of our esteemed Medical Advisory Board to educating and supporting our community enables Sharsheret to continue to grow and thrive, and ensures that all Jewish women and families know about Sharsheret.”
Medical Advisory Board members serve as ambassadors for Sharsheret, educating their communities about Sharsheret’s mission and services. Through collaboration with Sharsheret staff and the Board of Directors, the Medical Advisory Board brings medical insight and perspective to Sharsheret’s organizational strategy, enhancing Sharsheret’s resources and services supporting Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer across the county.
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