From the Court to the Clinic: How My Mamanet Team and Sharsheret Carried Me Through Breast Cancer
I never expected a recreational sports league to change my life — but that’s exactly what happened when I joined Mamanet.
I thought I was signing up for a little friendly game of catch with other moms. Nope. Mamanet is serious business. These women show up like it’s the Olympics — matching shirts, coordinated warm-ups, and snack tables that could rival most bar mitzvahs.
Meanwhile, I arrived with a messy bun, a water bottle, and a dream: to survive without breaking a nail. But what I found instead was a sisterhood — a group of women who laugh hard, cheer louder, and show up for each other on and off the court.
That same spirit of love and support would become my lifeline when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
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The Call That Changed Everything
When I turned 40, I did the responsible thing and booked my first mammogram.
When the technician said, “We just need a few more images,” I thought, Wow, my boobs are really photogenic.
But two hours later, my doctor called — and if your doctor calls you back that fast, it’s never because you won something. More scans, more tests, and eventually biopsies followed. That first time, it wasn’t cancer — just a lumpectomy.
But year after year, the cycle repeated: mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies. It felt like a terrible subscription box I couldn’t cancel.
That’s when I called Sharsheret. And I had no idea how much that one call would change my life.
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Finding Strength in Sharsheret
For those who don’t know, Sharsheret is an incredible organization supporting Jewish women — and really all women and men — facing breast and ovarian cancer.
They’ve helped more than 275,000 women and families nationwide, offering peer support, genetic counseling, financial help, education, and even “Busy Boxes” for children. Mine comforted my daughter when I couldn’t.
They don’t just answer your questions — they hold your hand through every scan, every test, every sleepless night.
So when I was diagnosed in February 2023 with Stage 1B invasive ductal carcinoma, I knew exactly who to call first.
Sharsheret connected me with women who truly got it — women my age, with my diagnosis, my fears, my family life. They sent care packages filled with comfort and information, and Sharsheret clinicians, staff members and Board members I knew and checked in on me like family.
They reminded me that even when cancer tries to shake you, there’s still so much laughter, light, and love to hold onto.
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Family, Faith, and Fierce Teammates
I couldn’t have done it alone. My mom was my biggest cheerleader, my dad knew every hospital parking lot in the tri-state area, and my sister — my beautiful warrior — continues her own battle with Stage 4 breast cancer. Her strength became mine.
And then there was Mamanet.
These women didn’t just cheer from the sidelines — they showed up. They dedicated an entire night of play to my recovery, playing a full game in my honor. Messages, donations, and thoughtful gifts poured in.
They reminded me that the same women who dive across the court to save a ball would also dive into my life to lift me up. That’s the heart of Mamanet — community in motion.
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Early Detection Saves Lives
If there’s one thing I could shout from the rooftops, it’s this: get your mammogram. Schedule it. Don’t put it off. Don’t let fear or busyness stop you.
Breast cancer caught early — before it spreads — has a 99% five-year survival rate. That number is hope. That number is power. And that number is why I’m here today — smiling, healthy, and grateful.
Early detection doesn’t just save lives; it saves normalcy. It means you still get to make dinner, go to work, show up to Mamanet practice with your team. You get to live your life, not just fight for it.
So please, make that call. Schedule that mammogram. Your life, your family, your future — they’re worth every ounce of prevention.
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Grateful Beyond Words
When I look back on this journey, what stands out most isn’t the fear or the treatments — it’s the people who carried me through it.
My Mamanet team became so much more than teammates. They were my cheerleaders, my late-night texters, and the reason I laughed even on the hardest days. The bruises may have been from the court, but the healing came from their friendship.
And then there was Sharsheret — my safety net when life threw its hardest serve. From care packages to heartfelt check-ins, their support reminded me that I was never facing this alone.
Most of all, I’m grateful for my family — my heart, my strength, my constant “why.” Their love held me up when I couldn’t stand on my own.
This experience taught me that true strength comes from community. Together, we are strong. We are survivors. We are sisters. And none of us ever have to play this game alone.
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You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
If you or someone you love has been impacted by breast or ovarian cancer — or if you’re simply feeling anxious about your risk — reach out to Sharsheret today. You’ll be connected with a warm, knowledgeable team who truly understands what you’re going through.
Whether you need someone to talk to, genetic counseling, educational resources, or emotional and practical support, Sharsheret is here to help — every step of the way.
Because no one should face cancer alone — and with Sharsheret, you never will.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by breast cancer or ovarian cancer, or if you want to learn more about your risk, reach out to Sharsheret today at [email protected].