Nonprofit organization honors volunteers, supporters helping those facing breast, ovarian cancer.

Sharsheret is the singular international nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of Jewish women and families who are facing breast or ovarian cancer, with regional offices in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and West, and now in Israel. Their annual fundraising events, two barbecues that will help raise critical funds for Sharsheret’s numerous and essential support programs, will be held next week. Proceeds provide free mental health counseling, emotional support, life-saving cancer education and financial support for women, men and families affected by breast or ovarian cancer or who are at increased genetic risk.

The New Jersey benefit is set for Tuesday, August 6 at The Rockleigh in Rockleigh, New Jersey. The Long Island benefit will be held on Thursday, August 8 at the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club in Lawrence, New York. Both events have a start time of 6:15 p.m., and feature a barbecue dinner along with a siyum and inspiring Sharsheret program.

“We are excited to host these meaningful events that bring together the entire community and provide the opportunity to recognize remarkable individuals whose inspiring efforts and experiences provide hope and resilience in the face of cancer,” said Sharsheret CEO Elana Silber.

The August 6 New Jersey benefit is dedicated in memory of Sara Rudoff Olshin, z”l, who passed away just a year ago. She was a dedicated Sharsheret volunteer and longtime supporter. Ira Olshin, Sara’s husband, will lead the siyum.

Keren Ehrenfeld is the Woman of Valor awardee for the New Jersey event.

Ehrenfeld, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, feels a deep sense of gratitude for Sharsheret, which profoundly shaped the quality of her journey. “I found myself thrust into a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty and overwhelming emotions, especially having lost my mother, Sara, to cancer just a year earlier,” she said. Amidst her darkness, Sharsheret provided a lifeline of guidance, unwavering dedication and compassionate support.

“Breast cancer knows no boundaries—it affects women, men, families and communities across the globe, reminding us of the urgent need for continued research, education and support services.” Ehrenfeld continued, lauding Sharsheret’s national peer support network, “… through which more than 25,000 women have been paired with others to share experiences, [and includes] programs to advise young parents on how to guide their children through a parent’s diagnosis, counseling and support for women and families, and financial subsidies to reduce the financial strain cancer places on so many in our communities. As a beneficiary of Sharsheret’s compassionate care and steadfast support, I am eternally grateful for the indelible impact it has had on my life.”

Sydney and Daniel Silvermintz, dedicated Sharsheret volunteers, are set to receive the Next Gen Award. Sydney, along with about one out of every 40 Ashkenazi Jews, carries the BRCA gene mutation, which greatly increases the likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Women with BRCA have a 55% to 72% chance of developing breast cancer by the time they are 70 to 80 years old.

With this discovery, Sydney elected to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in 2021. She and Daniel shared: “We followed up the surgeries with IVF and a process called PGT-M which, through the miracles of modern medicine, allowed us to ensure that our Maya would not be faced with the same predicament. Sharsheret was there for us every step of the way with calls, texts, emails, and even much-needed supplies for Sydney’s recovery.” As a result of the couple’s positive experience with Sharsheret, Daniel joined the board of directors and later the executive board of the organization.

The Silvermintzes are members of Sharsheret’s Jewel Circle, athletes on Team Sharsheret and alumni of the Sharsheret Young Professionals Circle. Daniel also serves on the Men’s Leadership Council.

The August 8 event in Lawrence shines a light on Danielle Aronovitz as the Guest of Honor. Dr. David Light will receive the Maimonides Award and Rivka Agin will be honored with the Lisa Altman Volunteer Tribute Award. The siyum will be led by longtime volunteer Ari Hirt.

Danielle Aronovitz and Avi, her husband, ardent supporters of Sharsheret for many years, never dreamed that they would need the services of Sharsheret themselves. Danielle said: “Hearing the words ‘You have breast cancer’ made my whole world spin out of control. I felt like I had entered a black hole. My Sharsheret social worker became my point person and was always available at a moment’s notice. Sharsheret was there for me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life … [We] are so grateful for their compassionate support, and eager to pay it forward,” by helping other women.

Dr. Light, Maimonides Award recipient, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with a dual practice focused on breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. The managing partner at NYBRA Plastic Surgery, Dr. Light has partnered with Sharsheret on educational programs to raise awareness about breast reconstruction options and on fundraising initiatives, benefiting both patients and the community.

“Early on in practice I quickly learned where I could provide my patients care and support, and where I fell short,” said Dr. Light. “The emotional and psychological support that is required to help patients through their treatment cannot be achieved during a follow-up appointment, nor does the need for support end when their incisions are healed.” He added that the void in our healthcare system is bridged by the services and care provided by Sharsheret.

Ari Hirt is a 20-year “marathon” volunteer and Sharsheret supporter who has competed in the TCS New York City half marathon for Team Sharsheret. He serves on the Sharsheret Men’s Leadership Council and is a member of Sharsheret’s Jewel Circle. “Sharsheret is near and dear to my heart. I take my involvement seriously, because I understand that breast cancer and ovarian cancer are not [just] Jewish women’s issues—they are Jewish communal issues.” Hirt will be honored with leading the siyum service at the Long Island barbecue.

Rivka Agin stands to receive the Lisa Altman Volunteer Tribute Award. She was living in fear of a breast cancer diagnosis, so after consulting with doctors, she decided to take a preventive course of action and is grateful for Sharsheret’s support. Benefitting from Sharsheret’s meaningful work firsthand led her to want to give back. Since 2015, she has volunteered for Sharsheret by speaking on webinars, also serving as a peer supporter by sharing her experience and offering guidance to others.

Agin shared: “As a young woman, I felt that cancer was not an ‘if,’ but a ‘when.’ Faced with countless medical tests and procedures, I was overcome with insurmountable fear and uncertainty, as well as decisions that were difficult to navigate, each step daunting both physically and emotionally—until Sharsheret stepped in.

“Sharsheret became my lifeline, connecting me with resources, education and, most of all, a community of support. The women of Sharsheret treated me like I was a close friend, with heartwarming and personal care and attention. They knew when and how to be there in the most supportive manner at a time when so many feel lonely and lost.

“Seeing how life-changing Sharsheret had been for me during the most trying of times, I was resolute in my commitment to become involved and give back by sharing vital information or by providing resources designed to help people on a cancer journey face each day with renewed hope and strength. My recent engagement, particularly in educating and providing support regarding IVF PGT science, has been personally fulfilling knowing it aids families in overcoming future hardships.”

Sharsheret is a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and participates in psychosocial research studies and evaluations with major cancer centers, including Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Sharsheret is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years. Both events are made possible with the generous support of the following major sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, Daiichi-Sankyo; Event Benefactors, King Pharmacy and Merck; Event Champion, Medassure Pharmacy and Maidenbaum and Event Supporter, Extend Fertility and NYBRA Plastic Surgery; and collaboration with our community partners Daily Giving, Foundation@CrossRiver and Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority.

Come join in Sharsheret’s vital and worthy mission by donating and/or attending one or both of the barbecues coming up next week!

To volunteer with Sharsheret, inquire about services or for questions, reach out by calling 866-474-2774, or email: [email protected]

To donate or to make reservations for either or both of the barbecue events, visit Sharsheret’s donation website:
https://sharsheret.org/tristate-benefit2024/