Celia Surget's Fundraiser

A few of years ago, at a professional conference (CCAR) I came across a vendor table held by a Sharsheret (chain) team member, and I was struck by the abundance of services the charity offered. The services made available, modeling best practices in how I, as a Rabbi, can support individuals in my community affected by breast and ovarian cancer, as well as other forms of cancer and illnesses. While my work is still in progress, that short encounter was impactful and transformative.

Through a series of coincidences and a bit of luck, I was able to run for Sharsheret last year as a bonus runner, having secured a lottery place in New York. That experience was amazing- being stopped in my "run" as I made my way through the boroughs by individuals recognizing the bright pink shirt and logo, sharing their own Sharsheret stories was incredible, and confirmed my belief that a charity like Sharsheret truly fills a much needed gap. Since then, I have had the opportunity to connect with Sharsheret team members as they try and make the charity more present in New Mexico.

Every service offered by Sharsheret, every kit, every tool, is free to the individual who is living with the illness and their family.

The cost to Sharsheret to provide the following free comprehensive services is $1000 annually per woman and her family members.

These services include:

• one-on-one guidance
• tailored resource materials and customized kits to help along the cancer journey (post mastectomy kits, financial wellness kits, busy boxes for young kids, healthy living and survivor tools, and makeup products and application guidelines)
• Educational webinars with renown medical professionals and additional training

That all of this is offered freely is such a blessing- and I ask you the following: the minimum I am required to fundraise is $6000- which will help 6 women and their families. What if we made it at least $7000 in honor of my grandmother Bobbie, who died of breast cancer at a much too young age? What if we made it $8000 in honor of your loved one?

If you are donating in honor or in memory of someone, please do name them- I plan to have their names visible as I make my way from Staten Island to Central Park.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, your encouragements and your love- I know that together we can truly do something great!