About Sharsheret
About the Link Program
About Breast Cancer Genetics
Why was Sharsheret founded?
Sharsheret was founded in November 2001 by young breast cancer survivors who recognized the need for an organization addressing the concerns of young Jewish women living with or facing the risk of breast cancer. Common concerns include the genetic risk of developing breast cancer in Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent, pregnancy after diagnosis, parenting, relationships and intimacy, the role of religion in daily life with cancer, and the impact of breast cancer on religious ritual and spirituality.
What programs and services does Sharsheret offer?
In response to the needs of the women we serve, Sharsheret now offers the following programs and services: - The Link Program, a peer support network connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences.
- Education and Outreach Programs, including community outreach events in private homes as well as health care symposia addressing the concerns of Jewish women facing breast cancer. Recent events addressed the subjects of breast cancer and fertility, parenting during breast cancer, breast cancer genetics, and survivorship.
- Quality of Life Programs, including the Busy Box for young parents facing cancer, Best Face Forward, a program to address the cosmetic side effects of treatment, and Embrace for women living with advanced breast cancer.
- Sharsheret Booklet Series, designed to raise awareness about issues many Jewish women face in their fight against breast cancer. Booklets in the series include: Facing Breast Cancer as a Jewish Woman, Facing Breast Cancer as an Orthodox Jewish Woman, and Breast Cancer Genetics and the Jewish Woman.
- Health Information about breast health and the genetic risks of breast and ovarian cancer for Jewish women.
- Resource Information on a wide range of topics for women facing breast cancer and their families, available in print and on our website.
Does Sharsheret provide medical referrals or medical advice to breast cancer patients and their families?
No. Sharsheret does not provide medical referrals or medical advice. Through the Link Program, peer supporters (or Links, as we call them) share their personal experiences with those who are newly diagnosed. Links are not health care professionals, and Sharsheret encourages all callers to consult their physicians about medical questions and concerns. Sharsheret will provide upon request the names of other organizations that assist with medical referrals.
I understand Sharsheret addresses the needs of “young” Jewish women. How old is “young”?
The Link Program targets younger women who are generally pre-menopausal. Callers share the common concerns of younger women living with or facing the risk of breast cancer, including fertility, parenting, relationships and intimacy. Sharsheret welcomes Links of any age so long as they were diagnosed as younger women.
Why does Sharsheret focus on the needs of "young Jewish women" and what resources are available to those who do not fall within that group?
Sharsheret focuses on the unique needs and concerns of young Jewish women that are often unmet by other cancer support organizations. For example, cancer and its treatment may affect Jewish cultural or religious practice, such as the use of the Mikvah/ritual bath post-surgery or during chemotherapy. Given Sharsheret's focus, the needs of individuals other than young Jewish women may be better served by other cancer support organizations, such as the ones listed on the Resources page of our website. Those individuals are nevertheless welcome to contact Sharsheret with questions and to participate in relevant programs that interest them.
I am not a breast cancer survivor. How can I become involved in Sharsheret?
Sharsheret’s programs are powered by the energy of our volunteers, and we welcome your participation. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area, e-mail us at info@sharsheret.org or call toll-free (866) 474-2774.
I am a breast cancer survivor. How can I become involved in Sharsheret?
Breast cancer survivors who were diagnosed as young women, generally before menopause, can serve as Sharsheret Links. Survivors who were diagnosed after menopause can sign up to become general volunteers. Sharsheret’s programs are powered by the energy of our volunteers, and we welcome your participation. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities in your area, e-mail us at info@sharsheret.org or call toll-free (866) 474-2774.
Does Sharsheret have an affiliate or branch in my state?
Sharsheret is a national organization with headquarters in Teaneck, New Jersey. Sharsheret fields all calls and requests for information through our national office, and connects women with volunteer peer supporters across the country. You may call us toll-free from anywhere in the United States to participate in our telephone-based programs and services. You may also inquire about bringing a Sharsheret speaker to your community or hosting a local event. Our toll-free number is (866) 474-2774.
I live outside the tri-state area. Can I participate in Sharsheret events and programs or volunteer?
Although Sharsheret’s offices are located in Hackensack, New Jersey, our network is nationwide. Because Sharsheret is not a face-to-face support group, young women from across the country can participate in the telephone-based Link Program. If you cannot attend Sharsheret’s Medical Symposia, transcripts of those events can be viewed and printed in the Events section of our website, www.sharsheret.org. We are eager to work with you to bring Sharsheret’s programs to your area, and we welcome new volunteers.
How can I connect a loved one with Sharsheret?
Upon request, Sharsheret will send an information packet introducing the organization to family members and friends. E-mail us at info@sharsheret.org or call toll-free at (866) 474-2774, and include (1) your name, address, and phone number; (2) the name, address, age, and phone number of your loved one; and (3) your relationship to the woman who may benefit from Sharsheret’s services. Unfortunately, Sharsheret cannot send materials anonymously, but arrangements can be made to mail them in plain white envelopes. Sharsheret representatives are also available to introduce our services over the telephone.
What is Sharsheret’s privacy policy?
Sharsheret deeply respects the privacy of its Callers and Links. We are sensitive to the concerns of those who phone in for support or to offer their support, and we are committed to accommodating requests for confidentiality. For those who are uncomfortable receiving Sharsheret envelopes in the mail, we will arrange to ship materials in plain white envelopes. We will also work with those who do not feel comfortable sharing their names. Sharsheret will not sell, rent, loan, or share personally identifiable information about its Callers or Links without permission to do so, unless required by law.
How is Sharsheret supported?
Sharsheret’s programs and services are supported by individual contributions, corporate donations, and foundation grants. Donations in honor or in memory of a loved one can be made by clicking here, over the telephone by calling (866) 474-2774, or by mail to P.O. Box 3245, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666. Sharsheret is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
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