"Jammin’ in our Genes” Debuts Young Board Raising Money to Help “Pre-vivorship”

On Saturday, November 19, a special event is being held to support NorthShore University Health System’s unique, new Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer “Pre-vivorship” program. This event – an evening of music, drinks and desserts -- is being called “Jammin’ in Our Genes,” and will be held at 210 Restaurant, located at 210 Green Bay Road in Highwood. The festivities will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

“This event is open to the public, but the pre-vivorship workshops are focused on helping anyone diagnosed with the BRCA gene or who has a predisposition for other genes related to breast and ovarian cancers,” said co-chair Caryn Engle, whose own experiences prompted the idea for the workshops.

Statistics note that five to 10 percent of breast cancers in the United States are linked to an inherited gene mutation. Breast cancer-related genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are the best-known of the genes linked to breast cancer. People who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a greatly increased risk of breast cancer, and, for women, ovarian cancer.

“Almost three years ago, I was shocked to learn that I have the BRCA gene mutation, putting me at extremely high risk for breast and ovarian cancers,” said Caryn Engle of Highland Park. “Somehow, with the love and support of my family, friends, doctors and community, I got through those terrible months of surgeries and recovery. It was painful – physically, emotionally -- in so many ways. But today, I'm stronger than ever. I always knew that one day I would use my experience to help others.”

Engle, a close friend of both Stephanie and Jordan Goldstein, M.D., joined forces with Carol Rosenberg, M.D., to create workshops to help those who have been diagnosed with the BRCA gene. Dr. Goldstein says “Our goal is to raise money to help fund these pre-vivorship workshops, which, with the expertise of medical experts, will address strategies to identify, manage, and monitor individuals who carry the predisposition for breast and ovarian cancer genes.”

The evening will include a silent auction with a variety of items, as well as a fun night of live music from “The Smoking Fish, along with beer, wine and dessert.

This event will be the first one sponsored by the Highland Park Hospital-based Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center (MRW) Leadership Board. Board members include co-chairs Stephanie and Dr. Jordan Goldstein along with Caryn Engle, Jamie Engle, Ari Goldsmith, Debbie Ori and Heather Redisch -- all of Highland Park; Nancy Blitz of Deerfield, Sara Franklin of Chicago, Jill Kase of Chicago and former Highland Park resident Lindsey Goldstein Ross who now resides in New York City.

Advance registration is encouraged. Tickets are $50, which includes live music, beer and/or wine and desserts. Credit cards are accepted. For more information or to register, please visit

https:foundation.northshore.org/mrw-leadership-board-benefit-event

or call 847-433-9166.