National Jewish Breast Cancer Organization Opens Regional Office in Los Angeles

National Jewish Breast Cancer Organization Opens Regional Office in Los Angeles

Contact: Elana Silber, Executive Director
Telephone: 866.474.2774
Email: [email protected]

Los Angeles, California (January 10, 2017) –  Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer, will celebrate the official opening of a regional office in Los Angeles (LA), on January 10th at a private home in West LA. Sharsheret LA is the second regional office for the organization. The first regional office was opened in Florida in June 2013. Sharsheret LA is centrally located along the 405 freeway, the main artery that connects the Valley to Metro LA and its surrounding cities, making the office well situated for Sharsheret to have a widespread reach in the region.

“We look forward to increasing our presence in the Los Angeles area and making a greater impact on the local communities,” said Sharsheret LA Regional Director Jenna Fields. “Given its diversity and unique West Coast approach to Jewish engagement, Los Angeles is an ideal location for Sharsheret to conduct community outreach and education about the unique issues of Jewish women and families at increased risk for hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers, and our programs can make a real difference to women and families in this region.”

Sharsheret LA has two staff members, Jenna Fields and Aimee Sax, and a growing advisory board, including Courtney Mizel and Lisa Hofheimer who have been integral in establishing Sharsheret LA. In the five months since Sharsheret LA opened its doors, the team has already coordinated 17 programs while cultivating new relationships and strengthening old ones.

Ms. Fields joins Sharsheret’s staff as a seasoned Jewish Communal Service professional. Jenna most recently served as the Valley Alliance Women’s Philanthropy Director of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Jenna has already begun strengthening Sharsheret’s presence in California by working with local health centers, synagogues and other Jewish organizations to develop programming.

Program Coordinator Aimee Sax assists with the providers of Sharsheret’s psychosocial cancer support and coordinates education and outreach initiatives in the Greater Los Angeles area. In addition, Aimee will join the national clinical team, and speak one-on-one with women at risk or living with a cancer diagnosis.

“While we have always provided cancer support and education to women and families in Los Angeles, we’re excited about the new opportunities that come with a physical presence,” said Executive Director Elana Silber. “Sharsheret LA has already hit the ground running and we look forward to the formal launch. The warm welcome and support from the local Jewish community and the medical community will ensure our growth and success in the year ahead.”

For more information or to get involved please contact Sharsheret LA Regional Director Jenna Fields at [email protected] or 310-409-2330.

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ABOUT SHARSHERET
Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is the only national organization supporting Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer-those who are diagnosed and those at high risk. Sharsheret is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
To date, we serve more than 65,000 women, families, health care professionals, community leaders, and students from all 50 states, including California. All Sharsheret programs serve all women and men.

As a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Sharsheret shapes messaging and programs at the national level. Recognizing Sharsheret as the model for culturally-relevant breast cancer support, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the organization two multi-year grants to develop support programs. Additionally, Sharsheret participates in psychosocial research studies and evaluations in partnership with federal agencies and major cancer centers, including Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.
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, culturall