Sharsheret

Sharsheret, the Hebrew word for “chain,” was founded on the belief that no young Jewish woman should have to face breast cancer alone. Despite the fact that breast and ovarian cancers are recognized as heightened health concerns for Jewish women and families, especially Ashkenazi Jews, until Sharsheret’s founding, there was a large, unmet need for culturally relevant support and resources. Now Sharsheret ensures all parts of the familial chain remain strong and supported. It supports women and their families of all Jewish backgrounds diagnosed with cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering a network of peers, health professionals, and related resources.

Sharsheret is the only national organization serving Jewish women and their families at every stage of their cancer journey—before, during, and after diagnosis. Recognized as a model by the Centers for Disease Control, the organization leads the Jewish response to breast and ovarian cancers nationally. It has created 12 culturally sensitive education and outreach programs with personalized patient navigation tools that are accessible from anywhere. Services include a robust website, live chat, social media, and phone conversations with clinicians. Sharsheret also offers families free one-on-one counseling that’s available remotely, and with this easy-to-access support, it has been able to serve close to 80,000 people since 2001. Sharsheret educates families, the broader community, and the next generation about their increased risk for hereditary cancer and preventative measures. It reaches community members through Pink Shabbat programming, visits to college campuses, and partnerships with synagogues, and by educating healthcare professionals to better serve Jewish patients. In 2017, Sharsheret piloted two new programs: a partnership with OneTable and an initiative that branches out into the corporate arena to raise awareness among high-powered Jewish women in the legal, real estate, and financial sectors. Sharsheret guides local Jewish support organizations, medical professionals, patients, and at-risk Jews nationwide. It’s an essential link in the chain of cancer support.