Excerpted from remarks made during 2018 Peer Support Training Webinar My story began about 9 years ago when I found out I was a carrier for the BRCA gene. My mother who had breast cancer at an early age was urged by my doctor, even after she finished all her treatment, to get… Continue reading
On any given day I wear several hats. I am a wife, mother, daughter, employee, and friend. It is a bit of a juggling act, especially when I am getting ready for a meeting, fielding texts from my daughter, and planning what I am making for dinner – all at the same time! I take… Continue reading
For women at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, like those with a genetic mutation in one of the BRCA genes, the question often arises whether or not it is safe to first remove the fallopian tubes and delay removal of the ovaries. We do know that women with BRCA mutations… Continue reading
During our recent webinar, “BRCA Genetics In The News: What Do I Do Next,” we received a variety of questions. Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, Genetics Program Coordinator, is pleased to answer your questions and concerns below. If you have additional questions, please contact us… Continue reading
I am the last person who ever thought she would get breast cancer. I was more apt to believe that I could fly then that I would get breast cancer in my life. I went to do my yearly mammograms only because my OB/GYN suggested I do them as my insurance covered it. In April… Continue reading
From Beller Nutrition’s PowerPerks Program The best thing we can do for ourselves to help not just fight breast cancer, but to survive and thrive, is to eat RIGHT!!! No single food or diet can prevent or cure cancer, but the right nutrition can power your immune system and… Continue reading
Sharsheret was introduced into my life upon joining Alpha Epsilon Phi at Tulane University. Throughout my life, I have witnessed family and friends and the struggles they have faced surrounding breast cancer. I could only wish that they had had Sharsheret as a support system… Continue reading
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time is there to discuss screening for Pancreatic Cancer Around 53,000 people are expected to be diagnosed in the USA this year, with about 43,000 expected deaths from Pancreatic Cancer. We have not quite made the… Continue reading
The diagnosis of breast cancer hits home for me. My Aunt Hillary was diagnosed a few years ago and had to go through months of chemotherapy and surgery. I watched as my cousin, Sara, helped shave her head, how she would wrap herself in a blanket because she was always cold, and… Continue reading
There was a moment immediately following the phone call where I was told that I had breast cancer where I became frozen. I stood, still on the phone with the nurse practitioner as she was telling me what I needed to do next, but I wasn’t listening (although I probably should… Continue reading
When I turned thirty, I learned I was a BRCA carrier. Since then, I have read many articles and books relating to nutrition and cancer. It is daunting to know that some of the foods we eat can possibly make a difference in the growth of cancer cells. As a mother of three young… Continue reading
According to tradition, in the ten days between Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the Hebrew calendar, meant for atonement and repentance, each person’s fate is written and sealed into the book of life. Shortly after the… Continue reading
When my aunt passed away at 47 from metastatic breast cancer, my family considered it an odd coincidence that my grandmother had lost a sister at 47 to breast cancer, too. Then my grandmother passed from metastatic breast cancer 6 months later. By the time I was pregnant with… Continue reading
Over the past few years I have been studying the soul traits in Judaism of humility, gratitude, patience, alacrity, anger, trust, honor, faith and forgiveness. They have helped me become more aware and compassionate in my life, and have allowed me to better deal with my cancer… Continue reading
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from Sharsheret. Initially, I came to Sharsheret as a volunteer in 2003; I became a member of the professional staff two years later. To say this has been an experience of a lifetime is an understatement. The thousands of… Continue reading
Exactly two years ago I finished a battle I never thought I would face: cancer. At 21 years old, a life threatening diagnosis is the last thing you expect to face. I graduated from Binghamton University in May 2015, just like my peers did. I packed up all of my stuff and headed… Continue reading
This summer I had the privilege to work as the Florida Intern for Sharsheret. I cannot believe this incredible experience is coming to a close. When I first heard about Sharsheret at the Stern College cake wars, I had no idea the extent of what Sharsheret does or how breast… Continue reading
This summer I had the privilege and honor of working as Sema Heller – Netivot Shalom Summer Intern. As a graduate student at Silberman School of Social Work, I was looking for a meaningful experience for the summer between my years as a social work student. When my mother, who… Continue reading
At the staff retreat that I attended as a summer intern, we were asked to label Sharsheret using one word. The first word that came to my mind was “stories.” What continues to amaze me about the work that Sharsheret does is the intense focus on the importance of every… Continue reading
My mom was my best friend. We never went through the typical mother-daughter struggles. We enjoyed spending time together, whether it was traveling, or just hanging out at home. She celebrated her 50th birthday by taking me and my brother on a trip to Hong Kong, one of her… Continue reading
