This blog is excerpted from Leslie’s Dvar Torah (speech) at a Sharsheret Pink Shabbat in Raleigh, NC For those who may not know, just over a year ago I received my first diagnosis of breast cancer. They found something in my annual mammogram – the size of a grain of… Continue reading
Navigating hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is not always easy. Sharsheret simply makes it a little less difficult to face our decisions and to travel the path that we have chosen. That’s why I’ve chosen to get involved and become a peer supporter, to try and make… Continue reading
There has been a lot going on at once for my family, with my mother's diagnosis coming so soon after my diagnosis and first surgery, and our treatments overlapping time wise. Throughout this time, Sharsheret has been such an incredibly important part of my journey; always… Continue reading
From the time we are little, we look forward to dipping the apple in the honey on Rosh Hashanah. Why an apple There are several sources that suggest that over the course of Jewish history the apple represented the tenacity of Jewish spirit and determination. And the honey Honey… Continue reading
From the moment I found out I was a BRCA gene carrier I felt an overwhelming need for information and to connect with others in similar situations. I was in my twenties, about to get married, and I needed to know more. Thankfully, I was told about Sharsheret. They gave me the… Continue reading
My mother was a carrier of the BRCA gene mutation and was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. After my mom had died at the age of 51, I knew that there was a possibility that I was carrying the deleterious BRCA gene mutation too. When the doctor called to… Continue reading
In February 2012, I was scheduled for my yearly gynecological visit. I was a little concerned because during intimacy, I felt pain. I was eager to speak with my doctor. I trusted him after treating me for 30 years, delivering my babies and always being very thorough. I felt a… Continue reading
I went to Shabbat services this morning for the first time in months. My long absence wasn’t an intentional decision. In fact, I only became aware of the ‘decision’ recently.A cancer diagnosis affects so much more than you think it will. Of course I expected the physical… Continue reading
I was first introduced to Sharsheret last year, when I was the Nonprofit Management Intern at the University of Florida Hillel. We were collaborating with UF’s AEPhi chapter in order to bring a Sharsheret Pink Shabbat to campus, and I was tasked with the majority of the… Continue reading
This summer, I was privileged to work as an intern at Sharsheret, with the specific goal of helping to expand the ovarian cancer program. Due to the nature of its diagnosis, most ovarian cancers are only detected at advanced stages as they are often initially… Continue reading
I first encountered Sharsheret at a conference in Washington DC last fall. I immediately became intrigued by Sharsheret’s variety of programming, individualized support, and dedication to helping young women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer. I… Continue reading
Mammograms and Pap tests are effective breast and cervical cancer screening tools for all women. While cancer incidence rates are similar for women with and without disabilities, women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are not screened at the same rates as… Continue reading
When our niece was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-20’s, there were limited to no resources for young women, let alone young Jewish women, with breast cancer. Our niece, a mother of two young children, went through treatment and the cancer would go into remission for… Continue reading
"There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of our dear Founder, Rochelle Shoretz, who passed away a year ago."- Elana Silber, Executive Director We fondly remember her brilliance, her laughter, her aspiration for excellence, and her vision that no woman will face… Continue reading
Four years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and two years ago I started my triathlon journey. Having barely any athletic experience, I decided to challenge myself with a humongous goal -- as if completing active treatment wasn’t enough of an accomplishment! For me, the… Continue reading
Miriam Friedman is a Licensed Medical Esthetician. Her passion for Oncology Esthetics came from experiencing cancer as a caregiver and an in depth knowledge of cancer treatments and their effects on the body as a whole. As a medical professional she remains positive and… Continue reading
If I look tired it’s because I am. It was my first time riding 77 miles in one ride. Why am I training I’ll get to that in a bit. My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a freshman in college. Thankfully, she is healthy today. I needed Sharsheret. … Continue reading
As the youngest child in a stereotypical Jewish family, finding independence has always been a process for me. I may be 27, have a full time job, and rent an apartment in the city, but grandma still calls to check on my scraped knee.Then last fall, I was diagnosed with breast… Continue reading
On the holiday of Shavuot we read from the Book of Ruth. This story highlights the relationship between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. In the opening lines we learn that Naomi encourages Ruth to leave, as she does not want to burden her or hold her back. Without… Continue reading
"That lump is cancer. If the pathology report comes back negative, I'm going to think it's a mistake."Like a bomb dropped in my lap, a radiologist unloaded this sentence. Did he not see the baby I was nursing on my breast In an instant, my life plans crashed. Forget my wish for… Continue reading
