The Jewish Community Center’s Sharsheret program works to improve the lives of Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer through personalized support and saves lives through educational outreach. The month of October, traditionally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will culminate with Pink Out at the J: Sharsheret’s third annual group exercise “marathon” and community-building event.

On Sunday, Oct. 27 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, the community is invited to a morning of exercise, education and wellness. Participate in a two-hour Zumba-thon or any of the other fitness classes of varying impact and intensity levels. Classes are suitable for women and men of all ages. Community partners will be on hand to share information about hereditary cancer risks, financial assistance, clean skincare, healthy eating and more. Partners include FORCE, Pink Ribbon Girls, Beautycounter, the Gift for Life Marrow Registry, and more. Enjoy complimentary massage and snacks, register to win raffle prizes, and enjoy a health-focused morning with like-minded community.

Sharsheret educates the Jewish community, especially those of Ashkenazi ancestry, regarding the increased tendency this population has for carrying a BRCA gene mutation. One in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women and men, carries the BRCA gene mutation. This is nearly 10 times the rate of the general population. Women who carry the mutation have up to an 80 percent risk of developing breast cancer and a 45 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer. Men can also carry and pass these gene mutations on to their family and have increased cancer risks. 

Pink Out at the J is free and open to the public. Men are encouraged to attend. Advance registration is not required, but some classes have limits, so arrive early.

• 8 a.m. – Extreme conditioning, cycle

       and gentle yoga for women

• 8 a.m.– Cycle

• 8 a.m. – Gentle yoga (Women Only)

• 9:15 a.m. – Circuit training and T’ai

       Chi

• 0:30 a.m. – Two-hour Zumba-thon 

• 10:30 a.m. – Forever fit

• 11:45 a.m. – Simply stretching

For questions or more information, contact Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266.