Sharsheret, a national non-profit organization, improves the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer through personalized support and saves lives through educational outreach.
The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community
Instagram: @sharsheret1
Website: sharsheret.org
Sharsheret
Cancer Support at Every Stage
Sharsheret was founded in November 2001, four months after Rochelle Shoretz, a 28 year old young Jewish mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She lived within a supportive community, but what Rochelle really wanted was to talk to another woman facing the same issues she was. Though her grandmother had died of the disease, cancer was a taboo subject still not discussed within her family and, she soon recognized, within the Jewish community at large.
Rochelle found information about her disease in many places, but she could not find resources to help her live with breast cancer as a young Jewish woman. Rochelle wanted a place for young Jewish women to turn during their darkest hours no matter where they lived, to find strength to face their fears, resources to address their questions, and “sisters” with whom to share in their cancer journey in ways that transcend blood ties. Rochelle, Lauryn, and three other young women gathered around Rochelle’s dining room table and Sharsheret was born.
Sharsheret offers free individual support and a peer-to-peer support network, along with a number of services.