Sandra Goldman

Sandra Goldman
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Chapter, Hadassah Southern Seaboard

Career and Family
I was born in Liechtenstein as the youngest of three. After high school, I went on to study in Switzerland, got my bachelor's degree in business and followed up with a master in sociology and political science. During my studies, I worked for El Al security but decided to go into journalism, and I ended up writing for newspapers and magazines about politics and entertainment. I met my husband, who is originally from South Africa, in Israel. We have four kids, ages 21 to 13, and two dogs, a Jackapoo and an English Labrador. After being stranded in Israel during Operation Protective Edge, my oldest son, Noah, ended up on an unforgettable solidarity mission together with Marcie Natan, Marlene Post and three Hadassah Associates. There actually is an article in Hadassah Magazine that he wrote about his experience. Our 18-year-old daughter, Mia, is currently on a Young Yudaea Year Course in Israel. Sooner or later, the two younger ones, Benjamin and Sarina, will surely end up in Israel as well.

I am 49 years old and for the last nine years I have been the director of the Hebrew Cemetery in Charlotte.

How did you get involved with Hadassah?
In 2012, I was recovering from breast cancer when I came across Celebrate the TaTas, the Breast Cancer research fundraiser that started here in Charlotte. After going through surgeries and treatments, it was really liberating and fun to get my breasts painted. After I learned about the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), I was hooked.  Shortly thereafter I joined my Chapter and became Fundraising VP. The following year I Co-chaired the Celebrate the TaTas Big Reveal and next thing, I was elected Chapter President. During my second year of presidency my cancer returned, and I needed support to run the Chapter due to my poor health. I even wanted to step down but something beautiful and extraordinary happened. My board refused to accept my resignation and instead of letting me go, a handful of past Chapter Presidents created the "Circle of Presidents” and together we ran the Chapter. Once my turn was over and my health and strength returned, I agreed to take on a role on the Region’s board and currently I am an AVP for two Chapters.

What is it about Hadassah that resonates with you?
Rather than just an organization, Hadassah is like family. I always look forward to catching up with my Hadassah sisters during Region meetings, and I especially love the National Conventions. They fuel my fire and remind me of Henrietta Szold’s strengths to push forward. One of her famous quotes resonates especially with me: “Dare to dream …. And when you dream, dream big.” I love to have the opportunity to stand up for what is important to me, to create a meaningful program or simply spread the word about what Hadassah does. Sometimes as just one person we are not heard but when we unite we become a force that is perceived. Hadassah’s medical research is one of the best in the world, the hospital is incredible and our advocacy for women’s rights, domestic issues and the State of Israel is very much alive. Within Hadassah I can be an ambassador for Israel and its values, and I can choose to make a difference in this world. Nothing is better than that!

Share something you would like people to know about you
I have conquered breast cancer twice within the last six years. I have survived over a dozen surgeries, 20 chemotherapies and 30 radiation treatments. During my second bout with cancer I was given two different choices of chemotherapies. I had no idea what to do. It occurred to me that as a member of Hadassah I should find out the opinions of our very own oncologists. I contacted Barbara Sofer, who introduced me to a very special doctor at Hadasash Ein Kerem. He looked at my medical history, next thing I spoke to him on the phone and from then on, he advised me on my treatment. I have never been so humbled in my entire life, and I truly feel blessed to be part of this organization. Cancer has literally scarred me but it surely does not define me. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I push forward and challenge myself every day. I understand that life happens and certain things are beyond my control and that is why I have absolute faith. Life is fragile, and as George Bernard Shaw once said, “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." I like creating mine with Hadassah by my side.