By Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com
Over the summer, Dr. Brian Cohen sent me his recent book, By Her Side: Standing by Your Partner Through Breast Cancer Therapy. When I received the book, I set it aside with the promise of coverage in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I’ve finally picked it up, and I believe it’s an important read for anyone who is facing or has faced breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter.
Cohen has lived in Dallas over 30 years and has a thriving medical practice in obstetrics, gynecology and infertility.
When his wife, Rose, was diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. Cohen was faced with the realities all spouses face when they are hit with such news. In By Her Side, Dr. Cohen shares his emotions, thoughts and reactions related to dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery. He charts the couple’s journey, because as he went through the process, he learned that many couples don’t survive a breast cancer diagnosis intact and there are few resources out there for husbands.
“I am well aware than many relationships are broken up within a year of their diagnosis and feel strongly that this book may assist others in their commitment and strength to be solidly and unconditionally beside their partners through each of the many difficult treatment hurdles. Hopefully, at the end of the days, your partners, with your help, will have the most complete and successful treatment,” he writes in the preface.
In addition to sharing the emotional side of his experience, Dr. Cohen doles out many tips to assist patients and their families with recovery from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Through the eye of a physician, these nuggets are aimed at the best quality of life for the loved one going through treatment.
The book is a good resource for those going through a breast cancer — or any cancer for that matter — medical crisis.
Dr. Cohen writes, “The last thing a woman needs during treatment is a wavering, unsure, scared and strained mate. It is difficult to stand by someone you love at this time. But perhaps one’s behavior, solid care, and support can help her muster the energy and confidence for whatever next insult or injury is inherent in the new therapy that must be implemented to beat the disease.”
By Her Side is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online book retailers.
DJCF’s innovative fund helps veterans
The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation has become known for creating specialty funds based on based on individual interests. One fund was created by the Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee to help ease the transition for returning veterans back into civilian life. The Protect the Protectors Veterans Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation shows our country’s veterans that their sacrifice was appreciated and will never be forgotten.
At the recent 20th annual Professional Advisors Seminar, the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation presented its first award of this fund to Camp C.O.P.E., which helps children from military families. Camp C.O.P.E., which stands for Courage-Optimism-Patience-Encouragement, provides weekend camps across the country free of charge to families of military personnel, teaching them how to cope with their changed world due to deployment, injury, or loss of a family member as a result of their service in our country’s military.
The DJCF takes pride in their diversity of funds that helps all different populations and causes; funds that help families affected by cancer to assisting Ethiopian students in Israel are yet two more examples. For more information, visit djcf.org or call 214-615-9351.
Levine Alumni Achievement Award
In celebration of its 36th Anniversary year, Levine Academy is introducing the Alumni Achievement Award. This prestigious honor will recognize exceptional achievement by a Solomon Schechter/Levine Academy alum in any field, vocational or voluntary.
To nominate an alum of Solomon Schechter/Levine Academy, please complete the online form which can be found in the alumni section of the Levine Academy website at levineacademy.org.
The recipient will be announced later this school year and will be presented with this award at the 36th Anniversary Gala honoring Rabbi Ed Feinstein, to be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016.
For further information, please contact Melissa Gendason, director of Advancement at Levine Academy, at 972-248-3032 x114.
Anshai Torah to honor Veterans
Congregation Anshai Torah will honor, recognize and thank veterans at a special program from 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8 at the synagogue, 5501 West Parker Road in Plano. Beginning with a Color Guard Ceremony by JWV Harvey J. Bloom Post 256, this event will recognize all veterans, followed by a musical tribute by the 20-piece Dallas Upswing Band.
Light refreshments will be included for $5 per person. Please RSVP at hazakcat@gmail.com or mail check to Hazak c/o Congregation Anshai Torah, 5501 W. Parker Road, Plano TX 75093.
Please RSVP by Monday, Nov. 2. For more information, please contact Allen Kufert at adkufert@gmail.com.
Hazak, Anshai Torah’s program for members 55 and over, sponsors the program.