Sharsheret Launches Family Focus to Address the Concerns of the Jewish Family Facing Breast Cancer

Teaneck, New Jersey (December 15, 2005) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women facing breast cancer, has launched Family Focus, a program to address the concerns of the Jewish family facing breast cancer. The Family Focus Program includes Sharsheret’s new booklet, “The Jewish Family Facing Breast Cancer,” along with a packet of resource materials to guide family members and caregivers through treatment and beyond. Sharsheret also offers “Ask Sharsheret,” a phone line for family members to connect with Sharsheret representatives to ask questions regarding the care of their loved one or their own feelings and concerns.

“Caregivers have contacted Sharsheret expressing their concern and asking questions about how they can maximize support when much of the information available seems unfamiliar and cumbersome,” says Sharsheret Program Director Elana Silber. “Sharsheret developed Family Focus to address these issues and to enhance the quality of support the women of Sharsheret receive from their families.”

The Family Focus program was made possible with generous support from Sherry and Neil Cohen.

About Sharsheret
Since the organization’s founding in 2001, Sharsheret has received over 7,000 phone calls from those affected by breast cancer, health care professionals, women’s organizations, Jewish organizations, and others interested in learning more about the important services Sharsheret provides nationwide.

Sharsheret has developed three core programs in response to the needs of young Jewish women facing breast cancer: The Link Program, a peer support network connecting young women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences, Education and Outreach Programs, including health care symposia addressing the concerns of young women facing breast cancer, and Quality of Life Programs, including the Busy Box for young parents facing breast cancer, Best Face Forward to address the cosmetic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and Embrace, a support program for women living with advanced breast cancer.

For more information about Sharsheret and Family Focus, please call Program Director Elana Silber at (866) 474-2774.