The Jewish Community Center wants the community to come together to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, educate those at risk for developing hereditary cancer, and empower Jewish women. “Lynnie’s Light for Life” will take place on Sept. 6 at the J near Creve Coeur, aimed at providing essential support to the J’s new Hamsa Wellness Community, a community partner of the national Sharsheret organization and Nishmah, the St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project at the J.
Cancer can be a challenging journey, not just for the patients but also for their families and loved ones. The Hamsa Wellness Community strives to create a nurturing and empowering space for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. The funds raised from this event will enable the Hamsa Wellness Community to expand its educational and support services for both men and women dealing with many types of cancer, especially hereditary cancers, and reach beyond the current focus on breast and ovarian cancers. The Hamsa Wellness Community plans to offer more free programs, therapeutic activities and educational resources to those affected by cancer or at risk for developing hereditary cancer.
This new wellness community is founded on five pillars: connection, hope, education, strength, and support. These pillars focus on the care of the whole person and provide those dealing with a cancer diagnosis a community during what is often an extremely challenging time. Programming includes a cancer support group, wellness activities such as Yoga for Cancer, education about the risks of hereditary cancer and much more.
Research shows that having a heredity mutation, like a BRCA gene mutation, not only increases your chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer, especially among Jewish families, but increases your chances of developing prostate, pancreatic, colon, melanoma, and male breast cancer. One in 40 men and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent carries a BRCA gene mutation, compared to nearly 1 in 400 in the general population. We are learning more each day about other hereditary cancer gene mutations.
“The Hamsa Wellness Community will continue to educate all individuals on the increased genetic risks facing our community and the importance of knowing one’s family history,” says Director Debbi Braunstein. “Knowledge is power knowing your family history can help determine options to prevent a cancer diagnosis or assist in early detection.”
Nishmah, a Jewish women’s program, has served the Jewish community with dedication and compassion for several years. The organization provides a variety of spiritual programs, all aimed at fostering personal growth and empowerment among Jewish women of different denominations. Through Lynnie’s Light for Life, Nishmah will receive the necessary financial backing to continue its vital work and reach even more women in need. This annual event honors the legacy of Lynnie Palan who lost her battle to cancer. Lynnie’s passion and drive will forever remain through the work of The Hamsa Wellness Community.
The evening promises to be a beacon of hope and solidarity, featuring a heartfelt story from a cancer survivor, inspirational speakers and spiritual music from Lucy Greenbaum.
The event will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at the Staenberg Family Complex Outdoor Pool, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Admission to the fundraiser is free, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and community members, but donations supporting this important work are welcome.
For more information about Lynnie’s Light for Life and the event details, please visit the Lynnie’s Light for Life webpage or contact Chelsea Leon at 314-442-3111
