A special Proclamation from the City of Dallas "extended special recognition on Sunday, October 13, 2019, to the Dallas Chapter of Hadassah for Breast Cancer Awareness Day in recognition for their work to raise awareness and fight breast cancer in Dallas Texas." Former Dallas City Mayor Laura Miller, presented the proclamation during Hadassah Breast Cancer Awareness Think Pink event, sharing her deeply moving personal story as a two-time breast cancer survivor.
She wasn't the only one in the room.
"If you are a breast cancer survivor, please stand up and be recognized. Now remain standing for a minute. Anyone impacted by breast cancer — a friend, relative, neighbor — please stand up as well. Take a look around the room," said Event Chair Jo Reingold, who lost her best friend to breast cancer when they were both 35.
Of the nearly 150 men and women gathered at a local Jewish day school for the Hadassah Think Pink event, few were left sitting. "There is hardly anyone who hasn't been affected in some way by this disease," she said, talking about recent advances made at the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO). "Researchers at HMO pioneered a diagnostic regimen to prevent transmission of the BRCA mutation to the next generation," she said. "This breakthrough enables women who carry the mutation to have their embryos pre-screened."
Marie Sena brought home the realities and possibilities women now face after mastectomies, talking about her work with plastic surgeons, breast surgeons, oncologists, nurses and patient advocates as a medical illustrator/tattoo artist who helps reconstruct and tattoo on areolas.
Judith Macon, RN, MA, Manager of Cancer Outreach at Suburban Hospital Cancer Program in Bethesda, educated the audience about breast cancer, with which 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime.
"I really didn't want to come," said one attendee. "My wife talked me into it and I am really glad I did. The speakers were outstanding!"
The event raised nearly $55,000, and donations are still coming in, all to support Hadassah's efforts.
From Atlanta to Greater Washington and Denver to Florida, Hadassah chapters around the country drew crowds and donations during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sharing our pride in the lifesaving advances being made at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Some Highlights:
Blues for Boobs in Calabasas
Live music, cocktails and a silent auction, and alcoholic beverages were enjoyed by 120 attendees at Blues for Boobs, featuring Dr. Janie Grumley, a surgical breast oncologist. Together, they raised $20,000.
Bingo Saves Boobies in CA
On October 2, nearly 100 women came out for K'helah Shel Nashim/Hadassah group in Southern California's Bingo Saves Boobies night at BJ's brew house in Westlake Village Lauren Rothman, Executive Director of Hadassah Southern California, and Debbie Kessler, President of Hadassah Southern California, both spoke of their personal breast cancer stories. The event raised more than $2,500.
Florida x 5: The Uplift Project & Bloomingdales
Hadassah Florida, The Uplift Project and five Florida Bloomingdale's partnered for an October 24 event featuring bras designed by local Florida artists and Hadassah volunteers. Bloomingdale's donated $3,500, as well as 10% of tracked sales. The Uplift Project is a Hadassah program that raises awareness of breast cancer and empowers women to take charge of their health.This was the sixth year in which the Greater Miami Region partnered with Bloomingdale's and The Uplift Project.
Pizza in the Hut in Paramus, NJ
At this breast cancer event during Sukkot, Jill Tekel, Area VP for Hadassah Northern New Jersey, presented Clinical Nurse Educator JoAnne Strassberg of Valley Hospital with a certificate of apprecation. JoAnne shared her own story as a breast cancer survivor and spoke about breast cancer advances and treatments during this Sukkot event.
In Denver: What's in Your Jewish Genes?
A physician, a genetic counselor, and a BRCA-positive cancer survivor and a pre-vivor who has had extensive surgery spoke at this Denver Hadassah event, held at a local synagogue in partnership with the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Roni Ogin spoke about HMO's research on BRCA and gave a certificate to the family of Risa Buckstein, past president who died of ovarian cancer three weeks prior, after organizing much of the event. The event was dedicated to her, and the chapter donated $1,200 for a mezuzah at HMO in her memory. Other donations went toward the Round Building campaign.
"The Pink Hulk" in Richmond, VA
In her one-woman show, "The Pink Hulk: One Woman's Journey to Find the Superhero Within," Richmond native Valerie David highlighted her fight with breast cancer, joining a VIP reception after the show.
Plymouth MA Fashion Show
This fashion show with a breast cancer theme brought nearly 100 people together, raising $6,000 funds for HMO and educating the community about breast cancer and Hadassah programs.
In the Press
Hadassah Atlanta's Almost Chopped Stirs The Pot Again
Bloomingdale's and Hadassah Partner Again on Shop For A Cause
East Brunswick, NJ Mayor Declares October Hadassah Month
At Hadassah, we're using three proven strategies to fight breast cancer: education & awareness, domestic advocacy, and support for groundbreaking research at the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO).
Get involved.
Together, we have the power to heal the world.
