Three Young Women Bond Over Their Mothers' Successful Fight for Survival

They met as interns at the Jewish Federation, and the rest isn’t exactly history but all about the future. Working together during the summer of 2013, Alexis Miller, Jordyn Fishman, and Moriah Berry bonded and became fast friends. They kept in touch, being in schools all over the country. During the summer of 2014, Alexis revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Moriah and Jordyn served as a strong support system, as both of their mothers are survivors of the disease as well. “We often talked about what it was like to watch our mothers fight their disease. No other friends understood the impact of seeing your mother lose her hair, change drains, and holding a mother’s hand through surgery,” says Miller, 22, a senior at the University of Pittsburgh from Highland Park. “We all just got it. Moriah and Jordyn were always there to listen to me, or to be my shoulder to cry on.” During Thanksgiving break, the daughters decided not the dwell on the struggle, and began to plan an event dedicated to their mothers’ fight and one that would help raise awareness. The result? “Stay Strong and Mahj On.”

Inspired by their mothers’ strength and courage, the women have planned an unprecedented fundraiser to benefit the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2015, 11 am-3 pm, at Mission Hills Country Club, 1677 South Mission Hills Road, Northbrook, IL. The event will bring together a diverse group of supporters. “The focus is Mah Jongg, since all our moms play,” explains Berry, a graduate student at UIC and Deerfield native. “But we’re open to Canasta, other card games, really whatever people want to play—we’ll provide the table and lunch will be served.” Participants can register here for a spot at a card table or simply join the celebrants for lunch and a good time.

The Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook offers, among other benefits, daily yoga classes to individual therapy sessions and everything in between. “We want to provide the funds necessary to help bring a nutritionist on board,” says Fishman, 22, a senior at the University of Illinois in Champaign from Wheeling. “Many studies point to a strong correlation between poor nutrition habits and cancer, and if we can help educate and provide resources about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, we know this can make a difference.”

“The Cancer Wellness Center provides supportive care services to cancer patients and their families, all free of charge,” says Nancy Bulzoni, Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness Center. “Having the support and enthusiasm of these young women is so meaningful to the Center. We are dependent on community support like theirs to help us meet the growing demand for services. The money they raise is vitally important, and equally important is their ability to raise awareness about what we do so hopefully when someone is in need, they will know where to turn.”

The organizers are confident that the event will bring all sorts of people together. “Mahj brings friends together,” explains Miller. “People can relax, forget about daily stressors and just have fun with girlfriends.”

The young women agree that the friends made through the game often become lifelong pals. “These women are there for you through the celebrations and struggles and with you every step of the way,” adds Berry. “We chose Mah Jongg, because we know when are moms play they are at their happiest and what better way to honor our mothers than to support a cause near and dear to their hearts while playing a game that brings out so much passion!”

For more information, please email staystrongandmahjon@gmail.com or visit: www.staystrongandmahjon.com