An innovative partnership program between Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley and Sharsheret was introduced at a meeting on July 30 at Congregation Ohav Emeth in Highland Park. The new initiative will support and assist women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The brainchild of Cindy Lichtbroun of Monroe (formerly of East Brunswick), the program will match women who have had surgeries and treatments with those who have recently been diagnosed, to “share their experience and provide answers to the questions and things that doctors never really tell you.”

Lichtbroun came up with the idea as she was facing surgery and realized there were “gemachs for wheelchairs, Purim costumes, wedding gowns and millions of other things, but nothing for the special clothing and other items needed after breast cancer surgery.” And while there are plenty of people to talk to over the phone with at Sharsheret, she felt there was also a need for one-on-one meetings for those who would benefit. The new initiative will provide “sharing and caring using the established networks and support with the marriage of two great organizations that will be a tremendous resource for the community.”

Melissa Rosen, director of training at Sharsheret, added that mastectomy kits will be provided to Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley for distribution as needed. Rachel Teicher, program support manager at Sharsheret, clarified the nuances of in-person peer support and how Sharsheret works with women diagnosed with breast cancer as well as with their family and friends and how to provide support at each stage when help is needed.

More than a dozen women attended the introductory session to learn how they could get involved. To learn more, visit https://bikurcholimrv.org/ or https://sharsheret.org/