Local Teaneck Students Help Sharsheret In The Fight Against Breast Cancer
Teaneck, New Jersey (August 18, 2008) — With generous support from Teaneck resident Sam Heller, his family, and friends from Congregation Netivot Shalom, Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization based in Teaneck supporting Jewish women facing breast cancer, welcomed three Teaneck college students to join the staff this summer as Sema Heller-Netivot Shalom Student Interns.
This summer’s interns, Miriam Brukner, Ahuva Furst, and Rachel Straus, all from Teaneck, NJ, worked closely with the Sharsheret staff on national programs including peer support for Jewish women affected by breast cancer, tailored support for children with a parent who has been newly diagnosed, individual counseling for younger women living with advanced breast cancer, and vital education and outreach initiatives to Jewish women and families facing breast cancer. “We have been privileged to work closely with Sema Heller’s husband, Sam, and her daughter, Jessica, in establishing and developing this vital scholarship,” said Executive Director Eillene Leistner. “These extraordinary interns provided our staff with much needed support and invaluable insights that will contribute to our programs throughout the year ahead and beyond, long after the internships end.”
About Sharsheret
Since the organization’s founding in 2001, Sharsheret has received over 13,000 phone calls from those affected by breast cancer, health care professionals, women’s organizations, Jewish organizations, and others interested in learning more about the important services Sharsheret provides nationwide. In response to the needs of the women we serve, Sharsheret has developed the following free national programs and services:
The Link Program, a peer support network connecting young women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences by telephone and online on the Sharsheret Forum. Education and Outreach Programs, including health care symposia addressing the concerns of Jewish women and younger women facing breast cancer, Sharsheret Supports, a national model for local support groups, and Family Focus, a program for caregivers and family members. Quality of Life Programs, including the Busy Box for children with a parent facing breast cancer, Best Face Forward to address the cosmetic side effects of treatment, Empower, for single women facing breast cancer, Genetics for Life to focus on concerns and issues relating to hereditary breast cancer, and Embrace, a support program for women living with advanced breast cancer.
To apply for summer and fall internships, please send resumes with cover letters to [email protected]. For more information about the Sema Heller-Netivot Shalom Scholarship Fund, please contact Manager of Volunteer Services Rebecca Schwartz at [email protected].