I had good genes, or so I thought. It was something I always relied upon. In my giant extended Ashkenazi Jewish family, cancer was conspicuously missing. Longevity was in my bloodlines, that of my parents and my grandparents. While I feared a great many things (autism, SIDS, car… Continue reading
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD HEREDITARY CANCER RISK SYMPOSIUM Audience Q & A The following questions were answered by Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, Sharsheret’s Genetics Program Coordinator. To schedule a free genetics consultation, please email Peggy at… Continue reading
In 2018, more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women. Early detection and prevention are key when it comes to improved outcomes and greater survival rates. Unfortunately, there is no effective screening tool for… Continue reading
In June 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38. Since my tumor was small and contained, I assumed I would have a lumpectomy and radiation. Then I found out it was a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and I was BRCA1 Positive – a one, two punch that I was… Continue reading
What do you do as a cancer survivor (or “thriver” as I call myself) when you have surgery that is completely unrelated to cancer I was lying on the operating table as the anesthesiologist and nurses were prepping me for a procedure that not only had nothing to do with the… Continue reading
We are so excited to be running the UA NYC Half Marathon with Team Sharsheret! First, a little background on us. David is from Westchester NY. A graduate of Binghamton University, David now works as a Media Strategist at The Media Kitchen in SoHo. From Clifton and West Orange… Continue reading
Anne Spar's Story I didn’t realize how far reaching the effect of my cancer would be. At the time it radiated out from me in concentric circles. My immediate family members formed the inner circle, my close friends the next one moving all the way out to people who I ran into… Continue reading
I am excited to share with you that I am an official member of Team Sharsheret for the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon! I started training several months ago for my race, and am inspired to undertake this rigorous challenge as I am doing it in memory of one of my heroes,… Continue reading
March heralds the arrival of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The medical and mainstream media have done an excellent job of education and engagement within our communities to raise awareness about colorectal cancers. Practicing in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, I am… Continue reading
Excerpted from remarks made during 2018 Peer Support Training Webinar My story began about 9 years ago when I found out I was a carrier for the BRCA gene. My mother who had breast cancer at an early age was urged by my doctor, even after she finished all her treatment, to get… Continue reading
On any given day I wear several hats. I am a wife, mother, daughter, employee, and friend. It is a bit of a juggling act, especially when I am getting ready for a meeting, fielding texts from my daughter, and planning what I am making for dinner – all at the same time! I take… Continue reading
For women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, like those with a genetic mutation in one of the BRCA genes, the question often arises whether or not it is safe to first remove the fallopian tubes and delay removal of the ovaries. We do know that women with BRCA mutations… Continue reading
During our recent webinar, “BRCA Genetics In The News: What Do I Do Next,” we received a variety of questions. Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, Genetics Program Coordinator, is pleased to answer your questions and concerns below. If you have additional questions, please contact us… Continue reading
I am the last person who ever thought she would get breast cancer. I was more apt to believe that I could fly then that I would get breast cancer in my life. I went to do my yearly mammograms only because my OB/GYN suggested I do them as my insurance covered it. In April… Continue reading
From Beller Nutrition’s PowerPerks Program The best thing we can do for ourselves to help not just fight breast cancer, but to survive and thrive, is to eat RIGHT!!! No single food or diet can prevent or cure cancer, but the right nutrition can power your immune system and… Continue reading
Sharsheret was introduced into my life upon joining Alpha Epsilon Phi at Tulane University. Throughout my life, I have witnessed family and friends and the struggles they have faced surrounding breast cancer. I could only wish that they had had Sharsheret as a support system… Continue reading
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time is there to discuss screening for Pancreatic Cancer Around 53,000 people are expected to be diagnosed in the USA this year, with about 43,000 expected deaths from Pancreatic Cancer. We have not quite made the… Continue reading
The diagnosis of breast cancer hits home for me. My Aunt Hillary was diagnosed a few years ago and had to go through months of chemotherapy and surgery. I watched as my cousin, Sara, helped shave her head, how she would wrap herself in a blanket because she was always cold, and… Continue reading
There was a moment immediately following the phone call where I was told that I had breast cancer where I became frozen. I stood, still on the phone with the nurse practitioner as she was telling me what I needed to do next, but I wasn’t listening (although I probably should… Continue reading
When I turned thirty, I learned I was a BRCA carrier. Since then, I have read many articles and books relating to nutrition and cancer. It is daunting to know that some of the foods we eat can possibly make a difference in the growth of cancer cells. As a mother of three young… Continue reading
