This week, the Hebrew Academy students had the opportunity to listen to, not one, but two fascinating speakers discuss their experiences with breast cancer.
Mrs. Didi Bitran took the students through her journey, sharing that while she never suffered from breast cancer herself, she faced many difficulties as a result of carrying the BRCA gene within her body. Because Mrs. Bitran was aware that the gene was present in her family history, she decided to get tested at the age of twenty-two. When the test came out positive, Bitron knew she wanted to get a preventative double mastectomy, reducing her risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. She also chose to use IVF to have children in order to almost guarantee that the gene would not carry to her future children. While Mrs. Bitron initially had trouble with pregnancy, and even tried to use a surrogate, Bitron thankfully eventually gave birth to two children and successfully went through the mastectomy surgery. Mrs. Bitron encouraged her audience to get tested as early as they can, as her results ultimately shaped the rest of her life to today and beyond. Mrs. Bitran conveyed that even though life throws difficulties in our way, Hashem is always there to help us as long as we persevere until the end!
Mrs. Adina Ciment, Hebrew Academy’s very own high school English teacher, spoke as well, as someone who battled through breast cancer. Mrs. Ciment was unsure if she had breast cancer or not at first as she traveled around the country, seeking help from various doctors. Mrs. Ciment faced the unfortunate reality that she did indeed have breast cancer, but is thankfully fully recovered after enduring quite a while of treatment. Mrs. Ciment offered a very interesting perspective on breast cancer from an insider compared to an outsider: While outsiders raise awareness to breast cancer by having what’s called ‘Pink Day’ and wearing pink clothing and ribbons, suffering through breast cancer feels as colorless as possible. Although Mrs. Ciment took this colorless approach for a while, she has been able to appreciate Pink Day for its positive intentions and effort. Mrs. Ciment motivated her audience not to lose hope in times of hardship.
On Wednesday, Hebrew Academy held Pink Day, as well as made Thursday’s Varsity Girls Basketball regional quarterfinals (and victory!) an extended Pink Day, to further raise breast cancer awareness and show students’ support.
By: Tova Bossewitch (11th)
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