Sharsheret, a
national non-profit organization, is dedicated to supporting young Jewish women
and their families in dealing with breast cancer. Named for the Hebrew word for
chain, the organization provides strong community support through various
programs designed to foster culturally-relevant personalized connections with
fellow patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
Since its creation in 2001, the organization has implemented
over 250 educational programs, responded to over 45,000 breast cancer
questions, and engaged over 4,000 peer supporters for their target
beneficiaries across the country. This is a feat considering that young breast
cancer patients may be reluctant to seek support from their peers for several
reasons.
With its programs, young women diagnosed with breast cancer
or who have high risks for it will find strong community support regardless of
their Jewish background. The programs’ implementers ensure that their target
beneficiaries have access to relevant educational resources, professional
networks, and moral support, all while considering their Jewish beliefs,
diagnosis and stage, and lifestyles.