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October looked a little different depending on where you were. But across the country, Hadassah went pink.
Hadassah members and supporters marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with imagination, generosity and spirit, from community walks and educational programs to inspiring fundraisers. Each event brought people together in support of Hadassah's year-round efforts to educate communities about breast cancer, advocate for women's health and support innovative research at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Community, Connection and a Little Fun
In Calabasas, Hadassah Southern California's B'Yachad group celebrated the 13th year of its breast cancer fundraiser with Boobstock, a nod to the music and fashions of the 1960s and '70s. Co-chaired by Nancy Reiser and Carolyn Ormond, the event drew about 120 guests and raised approximately $56,000.
Also in Southern California, Sabra Hadassah of the Desert’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month came with a little sparkle. On October 8, members gathered in Palm Desert for Decorate the Tatas, where they decorated bras with ribbons, lace, buttons and paint while sharing personal stories about breast cancer. These creations were then put on display at a local boutique to educate shoppers about Hadassah’s efforts to fight breast cancer.
“What began as a fun activity among members blossomed into something even more meaningful: a chance to spark conversations, spread awareness and introduce more people to Hadassah's lifechanging mission,” said chapter member Roni Spetalnick.
In Colorado, the Boulder Chapter combined Mah Jongg, brunch, a barn and horses for its October 11 Mah Jongg in the Barn for Breast Cancer Research. Participants dressed in pink for a morning of games and camaraderie.
On October 15, high winds, fire warnings and power outages couldn't stop Hadassah Southern California's K'helah Shel Nashim Chapter from hosting Trivia for Ta-Tas in the Conejo Valley. Teams with names like “The Booby Bunch” and “Boobilicious” competed for prizes while learning breast cancer facts and raising money for Hadassah.
“This event brought our community together for an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, delicious food and a meaningful cause,” said event co-chair Fran Medin. “Add in exciting opportunity drawings, plenty of schmoozing with friends and a room full of enthusiastic participants, and we had all the ingredients for a memorable evening.”
On October 18, the Chevra Chapter in the Boynton Beach/Delray Beach area gave its traditional breast cancer awareness walk a new twist, moving it to a gated community and adding Pink Bingo. Chapter President Gloria Loeb-Nissman also spoke about breast cancer care at Hadassah hospitals and the work of Dr. Tanir Allweis.
“We reinvented the event and kept the Hadassah spirit intact, and used the event to educate our members about Hadassah's medical care,” said Loeb-Nissman.
Walking With Purpose
Across Florida, Hadassah chapters put on their walking shoes for breast cancer awareness. On October 11, the Lylah Pinellas, St. Petersburg and Tampa Ameet chapters joined forces for a walk in the Palm Harbor/Clearwater area.
On October 18, Simcha of Aberdeen held its sixth annual Breast Cancer Walk in Boynton Beach. The event has become a family affair, with children, grandchildren and even dogs joining the fun.
Said event organizer Stephanie Levine: “The fact that Hadassah continues to investigate new and innovative ways [to treat cancer] deepens our support for Hadassah.”
Rain didn't stop Yaffa Valencia Shores from holding its fifth annual Breast Cancer Walk on October 25. More than 80 people registered, and many braved the downpour.
“Hadassah has played such an important role in advancing women's health and supporting lifechanging medical research,” member Gail Lury Wax told participants. “That work gives us hope, and it reminds us why our support matters so much.”
Also on October 25, Yachad Boca Circle members came together in Boca Raton for a breast cancer walk to raise awareness and funds to support Hadassah's breast cancer research.
Personal Stories and Education
In Oceanside, New York, Hadassah members gathered on October 5 for a Breast Cancer Awareness Book & Author Dinner featuring breast cancer survivor Geralyn Lucas, author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy. Lucas spoke candidly about her experience, inspiring other women to share their own stories. Chapter Health Vice President Iris Kaplan, a former neonatal nurse, shared information about breast self-exams.
Florida chapters offered educational programs as well. On October 20, Chai at the Bay held Breast Cancer Awareness Advances and Hope in Boynton Beach, while Hadassah Greater Miami's Simcha Chapter hosted Brunch for Breast Cancer Research in Aventura, with a focus on understanding breast cancer risk.
Hadassah's commitment to breast health continues throughout the year.
Learn More & Get Involved
- Take Action: Expand Access to Breast Cancer Care!
- Watch: Dr. Shani Paluch-Shimon explains how Hadassah is advancing more personalized breast cancer care.
- Give: Support Hadassah
- Read: The Breast Health Center of Excellence.
