Anything You Do That Is Small Is Not Small At All

Anything You Do That Is Small Is Not Small At All

“Anything you do that is small is not small at all,” was the message of a breast cancer survivor who spoke at the annual Sharsheret Cake Wars event at Yeshiva University. This was my introduction to Sharsheret.

After Cake Wars, I attended Sharsheret walks, speaking engagements, and other events throughout my college experience.  Since I learned how to help my father when he was facing cancer, I had a strong desire to help others in similar situations. Sharsheret’s mission, to help Jewish women and families affected by breast or ovarian cancer, seemed like a great cause to help advocate for and support.  Last fall, I began my Masters in Social Work degree at Columbia University, and I wanted to find something meaningful and stimulating to do for the summer.

When I was accepted as the Sema Heller – Netivot Shalom Summer Intern, I was excited to meet the staff that was responsible for this growing and successful organization.   Over the summer, I worked on various projects that helped analyze and enhance the programs at Sharsheret. The most interesting project was working on the health care symposia.  Reading through past transcripts and planning for upcoming symposia helped me gain a greater understanding of the current research and information available to women facing cancer and the many challenges they face when diagnosed.

I was also fortunate to meet Sam Heller.  Mr. Heller, along with friends and family, established this internship in memory of his late wife, Sema, who passed away from breast cancer. Learning about Sema’s strength and her desire to help others as she battled cancer was very inspiring and I am humbled to have had this internship in her memory.

I know that I will take the skills and information I have learned from Sharsheret and bring them with me in my career as a social worker.  It has been an enjoyable and memorable summer experience working at Sharsheret and I look forward to hearing about continuous growth and progress in its future.

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