Support for women with cancer
THE NSW division of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) is launching its newly formed cancer support network for Jewish women affected by cancer next month.
THE NSW division of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) is launching its newly formed cancer support network for Jewish women affected by cancer next month.
The group is open to those women who have been diagnosed with the disease as well as survivors and female carers of people with the illness.
The group will meet monthly and is coordinated by co-chairs Isabelle Shapiro and Mandi Chonowitz-Jacobson.
“Providing a safe place where women affected by cancer can support one another, develop friendships, share ideas and thoughts are among the goals of the program,” explains Shapiro, who is herself a survivor of breast cancer.
Chonowitz-Jacobson, who survived colon cancer, describes the support group as a place for “learning coping skills and being able to do so in a non-judgmental and friendly environment”.
The first meeting of the NCJWA NSW’s Cancer Support Network will take place in early May and will be facilitated by cancer counsellor and retired oncologist Dr Mandy Goldman Strous.
Goldman Strous is currently the president of Cancer Counselling Professionals, an organisation that provides those affected by cancer, including those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones, with access to resources and counsellors to carry them through that period of their lives.
“NCJWA NSW has for a number of years raised awareness and fundraised for cancer,” says Victoria Nadel, who sits on the NCJWA NSW steering committee.
“There is a high percentage of cancer experienced in the Jewish community and we aim to provide a support group that will cater especially for the needs of our community.”
ELENORE LEVI
The NCJWA NSW’s Cancer Support Network will meet on Monday, May 9 from 10.15-11.45am at NCJWA NSW Council House. For more information or to RSVP, phone (02) 9363 0257 or email admin@ncjwnsw.org.
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