THE ISRAEL BREAST CANCER EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND & ESRA

“Since my 50^th birthday was set to fall on 12/11/2010, a cool date and a Saturday night, I always thought I’d do something special on that day, and then….I got sidetracked.

Last summer on July 20, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is, like they say: in an instant your life changes. The first reaction is shock. Initially it is impossible to think about anything other than survival. Many women are fortunate to have the means to focus primarily on getting well. However, few realize how extremely costly a serious illness can be. It is difficult to imagine the plight of a poor woman dealing with financial worries on top of the stress of being sick.”

Shari Mendes, who was blessed to receive good care and is now feeling well, has met with social workers at breast cancer centers who confirm the compelling need to help impoverished women by providing immediate financial assistance for non-medical expenses. Even when social service assistance exists, it can take months for funds to come through, a luxury poor women don’t have.

Shari has worked this past year to set up The Israel Breast Cancer Emergency Relief Fund. By quickly and compassionately delivering direct financial assistance, some of the financial burdens that accompany breast cancer can be eased so that patients can concentrate on the more important challenge of getting well. She contacted ESRA, who agreed to administer this IBCERF Fund, through our very active Welfare Fund. Applicants will be screened by social workers at hospital breast centers, as well as by the ESRA Welfare Committee.

Shari decided that she wanted to mark the two seismic events of the past year - her birthday and the diagnosis of cancer, on Tisha B’av, a very significant day for her, and she held a “celebration” inaugurating the new fund, surrounded by friends, family and well wishers. More than seventy women came together at Shari's home, to socialize and hear a talk about healing, both personal and national, as relates to Tisha B’Av. The fund was launched, as a mitzvah that can bring together women from all strata of Israeli society, encouraging contributions of both money and time (volunteering to help ill women with a variety of tasks). The evening was an inspiring start to what we hope will be a wonderful addition to ESRA's list of worthy causes.

For information on help or to make a donation please call ESRA 09 950 8371.