“YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER.” The four words I never expected to hear just one month after turning 40. Despite running the NYC Marathon every year, living a healthy lifestyle, and having no genetic mutations, I became one of the 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer.… Continue reading
Hearing the words “You have breast cancer” can change everything in an instant. It’s an overwhelming moment—filled with uncertainty, hope, and countless decisions about surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and recovery. Yet, even after treatment ends, a single, daunting… Continue reading
Dear Friends, We were only 3 and 5 at the time when our mother, Rochelle Shoretz, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Back then, in 2001, cancer was a taboo subject. Initially Mom struggled to find someone in a similar situation, who could… Continue reading
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… Continue reading
“We are survivors. We are sisters. And together, we are proof that love, laughter, and early detection can change everything.” Our Story In July 2019, my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, and in that instant, our family’s world changed. I… Continue reading
Little can prepare you when you’re told “You have cancer”... but nothing prepares you for being told “You have Stage 4 Breast Cancer.” And yet there I was… 42 and part of a small group, about 6% of all breast cancer diagnoses, that are diagnosed with de novo… Continue reading
On August 31st, I finished 20 weeks of chemo for breast cancer. One week from yesterday, I will undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction. The experience has been intense and challenging. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. Individually and as a family. Treatment… Continue reading
In February 2025, a routine mammogram revealed a suspicious finding. A biopsy confirmed a small tumor, and I was scheduled for a lumpectomy. I initially believed surgery, medication, and radiation would be the extent of my treatment. However, I was soon diagnosed with stage one… Continue reading
“I’m sorry to share this, but you’ve tested positive for two genetic mutations—PALB2 and MITF. PALB2 increases your risk for breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. MITF increases your risk for renal cancer and melanoma. You’ll need to meet with specialists to address… 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
When David Yoskowitz was diagnosed with cancer, he faced one of chemotherapy’s most harmful side effects—severe mouth sores that cause a range of problems, from painful eating, speaking, and sleeping to interruptions in cancer treatment. After recovery, he transformed that… Continue reading
How these tests can help create a treatment plan that’s right for you Navigating Your Diagnosis Being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer can feel overwhelming. You’re asked to make important decisions—often quickly—while trying to absorb unfamiliar terms and… Continue reading
When I found out I’d been accepted as a summer intern at Sharsheret, I was incredibly excited — but I don’t think I fully realized just how meaningful and eye-opening the experience would be. I knew Sharsheret did important work in the Jewish community, but this experience… Continue reading
Chemotherapy comes with a long list of side effects, with mouth sores ranking among the very worst. These painful ulcers can cause severe pain, infection, and even delay cancer treatment. While many treatment strategies exist, not all are equally effective. Keep reading to… Continue reading
As a public health undergraduate student, I found it interesting to see the overlap between public health and social work through my internship at Sharsheret. I was constantly amazed by the impact Sharsheret has had on people’s lives, and I’m grateful that I was able to… Continue reading
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, more specifically a germ cell tumor of the ovary, over 10 years ago. I had just graduated from college and was heading to graduate school in Israel when I was diagnosed. My world was turned upside down, to say the least. My alma mater and… Continue reading
If I lost myself in cancer, then I rediscovered myself in Supportive Oncology… Eight years ago at the age of forty-one I was feeling strong in my self care. I had learned to relax, enthusiastically ran 3-4 times a week, and ate veggies on the regular. And then breast cancer… Continue reading
“How am I supposed to live my life now” This question came from a patient I care for—someone diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Like many, she had braced for the worst. Yet with advances in oncology treatments, what she assumed would be a swift decline became… Continue reading
On June 23, 2025, many of us woke up to the news of the Iranian ceasefire with a desire to feel relief at having a reprieve from the sleepless nights and instability on top of an already established Shigrat Milchama (routine of war). However, we woke up to the simultaneous… Continue reading
“1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish men and women carry a BRCA mutation.” That was the sign hanging quietly at the back of the room during the Sharsheret/Young Israel of Hollywood, Florida Sisterhood Breast Cancer Awareness event that provided on-site genetic testing on February 3,… Continue reading
