Thursday, March 28, 2024 -
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Pink Shabbat

Pink Shabbat, held in support of individuals and their families confronting breast and ovarian cancer, takes place Friday and Saturday in Denver area synagogues. For many years, Pink Shabbat specifically acknowledged breast cancer. Now teal ribbons for ovarian cancer are equally pervasive.

In the US, about one in 400 people in the general population may have mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which can result in an increased risk for hereditary cancers such as breast, ovarian, peritoneal and pancreatic cancer.

For Ashkenazi Jewish women and men, that number soars to a worrisome one in 40 chance. BRCA testing can cost hundreds of dollars. If you  test positive for either mutation, doctors may recommend chemotherapy, radiation or the prophylactic removal of breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes, particularly if a familial history exists.

However, for reasons beyond our understanding, cancer can invade anyone at any time — BRCA or no BRCA. We are all in this together.

Unbowed heads and tearful outbursts will sit side by side in the congregation this Pink Shabbat. Chances are you know one of these people. Extend a warm hand and pray on behalf of their muted voices.

Many of us hide in foggy denial when it comes to our mortality. Pay close attention to the person next to you this weekend. Chaos has supplanted certainty. Carefree days are numbered. Shattered eyes struggle to find courage in yours.

Tomorrow or next year, it could be your mother, father, daughter — or yourself — whose red-rimmed eyes clamor for hope. We are all in this fight, alone and together.

Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News




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