Cancer. Simply saying the word can be frightening. A diagnosis of any form of cancer can be incredibly overwhelming.

Over 125 people attended an Evening to Benefit Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society (RCCS) and local patients on a snowy and blustery Wednesday evening at Congregation Ohr Torah (OT) in Edison. The event honored Dr. and Dr. Arkady and Marni Broder and featured a special presentation by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, the director of semicha at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary as well as the mara d’asra of Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere.

Susan Frank of Edison came to learn more about RCCS. “People who have benefitted from their services have raved about them—especially how the group takes over and manages care so nothing falls through the cracks.” Max Wisotsky, of Highland Park, added, “My son has been a recipient of RCCS services. I’m glad to see them expand to the Raritan Valley to continue their amazing work. All care is immediate and superb. It is done without fanfare and initiated with just one phone call.” Shoshana Allen of Edison also came to learn about RCCS. “I don’t know much about them. Hopefully cures will be found that will put them out of business. But in the meantime, it is good to know they are there.”

Rabbi Lebowitz incorporated the words of the parsha with the work that RCCS does. He explained, “The phrase ‘and Yitro heard’ not only means the audio, but that he actually understood and felt the meaning of the words on a deeper level. When hit with a horrible diagnosis, people are confused. RCCS anticipates all the needs a patient has and serves as a partner to help with the most challenging part of a person’s life.” He concluded by noting, “It is a zechut to be here and provide a refuah shelaima to help others.” A brief video was shown that featured a young pediatric patient and the roles RCCS played in facilitating her care and recovery.

RCCS describes their mission as “transforming cancer care through medical guidance and financial support.” A similar event to introduce RCCS to the community was held last year in conjunction with the soft reopening of Giddy’s Pizza in Highland Park. The event’s success, combined with the encouragement of local rabbis and the increase in the number of patients from the area, led to the recent event at Ohr Torah. Over the past 12 months, and with a budget of $214,491, RCCS has provided assistance to 24 local Raritan Valley patients, according to Rabbi Elimelech Rosenberg, RCCS director of regional development.

The Broders were an obvious choice as honorees. Dr. Arkady Broder has worked with cancer patients and has referred them to RCCS and seen the positive results the organization provides. He was happy to help by raising the organization’s profile in the community and creating awareness. When the event planning committee brought his name up, it was an easy selection.

The New Jersey office of RCCS is in Lakewood, but since operations, staff services and assistance are mostly provided remotely, distance is not a factor. “There are local committee people to set up a presence and build awareness in almost any New Jersey area with a Jewish presence: Highland Park/Edison, East Brunswick, Passaic, Deal, Teaneck, Englewood, Clifton, etc.

RCCS is not as well-known as other Jewish organizations assisting people with cancer, but the Brooklyn-based group has helped thousands of cancer patients and their families since its founding in the 1990’s. Said Rosenberg, “RCCS connects patients with top medical experts, researches latest treatments and trials, and provides personalized support. Our financial assistance covers premiums, deductibles and out-of-network costs, ensuring access to life-saving care.” Dr. Arkady Broder said that in his personal experience, “a patient with stage 2 colon cancer made a call to RCCS and had appointments with oncologists and surgeons at Cornell within 24 hours. It was the fastest turnaround I’d seen. I’m honored to have accepted the award and have the ability to give back to such a wonderful organization.”

What makes RCCS distinctive is that all it takes is one phone call to access help. “RCCS knows that fighting cancer is more than just health insurance. It’s about being thrust into an overwhelming and complex medical system and being desperate for the right information—which doctor to use, what to ask and which lifesaving decision to make. It is why our services include guidance about meals, medical equipment, emotional support, coordination and more. Rabbi Yaakov Luban, rabbi emeritus of OT, praised the excellent presentation that highlighted the work that is done. “I was greatly inspired by what they do to help people in such dire straits.”

Rosenberg is a strong advocate of prevention and early intervention that can be lifesaving. He recommends speaking with your medical practitioner, especially if there is a history of cancer or other risk factors. The number of people needing help has risen exponentially in recent years, with breast and prostate cancers being the most common. It is unknown if the increase is due to more awareness among the population or an actual increase in cases, but the devastation and impact hits just as hard. One call to 718-722-2002 will connect you to all needed resources and assistance.

RCCS is a tremendous resource for the communities they serve. Rosenberg suggests that “paying it forward” to help community members is part of what makes it so special. Contact Rabbi Rosenberg at [email protected] or visit the website https://www.rccscancer.org/ for more information.