Oshman Family JCC Joins in Fight Against Breast Cancer

News from Oshman Family JCC:

The Oshman Family JCC has pledged to donate to breast cancer support organization Sharsheret during the month of October. Each time a new member joins its Goldman Sports and Wellness Complex or an existing member purchases one of its limited-edition Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts, the OFJCC will give $10 to support Sharsheret’s programming.

“We take the ‘Wellness’ part of our name very seriously,” explains Todd Milton, Director of the OFJCC’s Goldman Sports and Wellness Complex. “We have a history of supporting programs for cancer survivors. This year, we decided that Breast Cancer Awareness Month was the right time to expand our efforts. By raising money for Sharsheret we’ll enable them to continue the amazing work they do providing support, education and advocacy for women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer.”

Membership Manager Stephanie Berg-Naillon concurs. “Breast cancer is personal to so many of us. We wanted to find a way for both our organization and our members to make a difference.”

Members and staff of the OFJCC have already begun wearing the special-edition t-shirts around the campus and posting their pictures on social media using the hashtag #ofjccpink. Berg-Naillon explains, “A lot of us wear pink for someone special in our lives, and we are sharing that proudly.”

As part of its commitment to helping community members on their road to recovery from cancer, the OFJCC offers a free, 12-week small group training program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment. The program, called Living Strong, Living Well, is led by staff who have received specialized training in the elements of cancer rehabilitation, exercise, nutrition and supportive cancer care.

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.

About Sharsheret

Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.

Since its founding in 2001, Sharsheret has responded to more than 45,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 3,500 peer supporters, and presented more than 250 educational programs nationwide. Sharsheret supports young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer at every stage – before, during and after diagnosis. We help women and families connect to our community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. We also provide educational resources, offer specialized support to those facing ovarian cancer or at high risk of developing cancer and create programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. All Sharsheret programs are open to all women and men.

Image: Marc Kondo, Stephanie Berg-Naillon and Sergio Insuasti wear their pink proudly.