An anonymous donor has made a substantial gift to Hadassah to ensure that the health event “Breast Cancer: The Latest Updates” will be free and open to the general public. The program takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19 at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and will present an update on this particular form of cancer and its current state of research and treatment.

Dr. Susan L. Luedke, from the St. Louis Cancer & Breast Institute (a partner with Mercy Health Care System) will offer current information followed by a question and answer period. Luedke is well-versed in the methods for predicting the reliability of various forms of treatments for the different forms of breast cancer as well as in methods for predicting the occurrence or recurrence of such cancers, including the assessment of inherited genetic variations.

Each time Hadassah bestows its National Leadership Award upon a worthy recipient, that person assumes the honor of picking the topic for the next Hadassah health program. Jerri Livingston was honored with the prestigious award in June and chose the topic of breast cancer.

Thanks to the anonymous donor, the original $18 per person fee for this program (which includes a dessert reception) is being waived, although RSVPs are still strongly recommended. For more information or to RSVP, call 314-991-0434 or visit www.stlouis.hadassah.org. Members and non-members are always welcome at Hadassah events.