New programs for breast cancer

It’s a unique club that no one wants to be part of, but once you join, you are a member for life.

One in eight. That’s the “club” and the chance of a woman getting invasive breast cancer at some time during her life, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). And although they also cite the death rate from the disease as one in 36, they note that the death rates have been going down, attributing that to earlier detection and better treatment.

Currently, there are over 2.9 million U.S. survivors of the disease, notes ACS, but they are not alone. Various organizations offer support and are rolling out some new programs this October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to help those facing the specter of breast cancer. Two of these include Sharsheret and Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh (MBW).

Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” supports women and families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. All Sharsheret programs are open to all women and men, said Elana Silber, director of operations. Founded in 2001, it is a national not-for-profit organization that offers support, information, resources, and education principally to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk. They have fielded over 24,000 inquiries, and have over 1650 peer supporters in 43 states across the country.

On October 21st, Team Sharsheret will be joining the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in NYC with pre-walk family activities at 8:30 am in Central Park at the 69th Street and 5th Avenue entrance.

On November 7th, Sharsheret is “kicking off a new program that will help families facing financial crisis due to illness with a free, live round table discussion,” explained Silber. “Taking Control of Your Financial Health During and After a Health Crisis Live Roundtable Discussion,” will be held at 7 pm at the UJA Federation of New York at 130 East 59th Street, Room 710, New York City. “While advances in medical technology mean Jewish women may have a better chance of physically surviving serious illness, the overwhelming financial issues associated with treatment and recovery can be devastating to their financial health, particularly during these challenging economic times,” said Silber. “The new financial program will not only equip women and families with information, but also with the tools they need to proactively address their long-term financial, insurance, and estate needs.” Panelists include a financial advisor, a disability lawyer, an insurance expert and an estate planner. A live question and answer session will follow the presentations. A transcript of the roundtable will be accessible online, noted Silber.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded a federal grant to Sharsheret to develop a program to provide support and educational resources for young Jewish breast cancer survivors and their families. The program, “Thriving Again: Life After Breast Cancer for Young Jewish Women,” received $305,049 for first year funding and will be fully funded by the CDC. It will deal with life after breast cancer for young women, including its effect on careers, relationships, reproduction, health, finances and the increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers in Jewish families. Although it is aimed at Jewish women, the program will be easily adapted for other cultural and ethnic groups.

“We are honored to have been selected by the CDC to launch this critical survivorship program,” said Sharsheret Founder and Executive Director Rochelle Shoretz, herself a two-time breast cancer survivor, diagnosed at age 28. “As more young Jewish women live beyond a breast cancer diagnosis, the Thriving Again program, made possible with CDC’s support, will enhance the quality of life for thousands. Sharsheret’s expertise in serving young women and Jewish women has been recognized in a federal platform that will enable us to develop core programming to benefit not only the women in our community, but the larger community of young breast cancer survivors nationwide.”

Sharsheret also has an interactive map on their website where viewers can click and find programs, events and peer volunteers all across the United States.

The Chabad of MBW will hold a “Journey for a Purpose” women’s evening on October 25th to support those facing breast cancer and launching “Circle of Hope,” an organization to provide financial help, emotional support and preventative health seminars for breast cancer patients and their families. The Circle of Hope will provide various forms of help including monetary assistance, rides to the doctor or hospital, summer camp scholarships for patients’ children, monthly support groups, preventative testing, educational seminars, a wig bank and makeup lessons for those undergoing chemotherapy. The Journey for a Purpose will feature a presentation by Dr. Ruth Oratz, an oncologist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

“Sharsheret doesn’t offer medical advice or medical referrals,” pointed out Silber, “we offer support, information and education.” She said that Sharsheret strongly recommends that patients speak with a health care professional regarding any medical questions. She noted that “many women, while still undergoing treatment, call to offer support and strength by sharing their experience as peer supporters. Sharsheret offers support at every stage--before, during and after diagnosis, even during the survivorship years.

For more information contact Sharsheret at 866-474-2774 or on their website at www.sharsheret.org.

For updates and information on the Merrick-Bellmore Circle of Hope, visit www.CircleofHopeMerrick.org.

For further information about the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, please contact Chana at programs@chabadjewishlife.org or (516) 833-3057.