At times, building community starts with a simple conversation. At Pink & Purpose, an event hosted by Tucson Torah Center (TTC) Tribe in Tucson on Oct. 6, more than 60 women came together to learn about breast and gynecological cancers, hear from local Jewish professionals working in the cancer space, and explore how a community can support those facing health challenges.
TTC Tribe is Tucson Torah Center’s women’s programming and engagement initiative, created to give Jewish women opportunities to connect with one another through meaningful experiences, learning, and chesed (acts of kindness).
The Pink & Purpose panel featured Lindsey Baker, MBA and nonprofit consultant, whose personal experience navigating breast cancer in her mid-30s helped inspire the event; Alexa Cook, MS, CGC, a board-certified genetic counselor at Banner; and Rina Fox, PhD, MPH, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Arizona.
Together, the panelists brought personal and professional perspectives to a conversation about understanding cancer risk, genetic testing, seeking reliable information, and navigating the emotional impact of a diagnosis. The discussion highlighted the importance of asking questions of your healthcare providers and learning about screening and resources that may be appropriate for one’s individual circumstances.
The panelists offered concrete suggestions for supporting someone facing cancer, including offering a ride to an appointment, dropping off a meal, picking up prescriptions, or helping with children and household tasks. Giving someone a few specific choices can make accepting help easier than a general “Let me know if you need anything.” They also emphasized listening without judgment and allowing space for difficult emotions, rather than urging someone to “stay positive” or promising everything will be okay. Recognizing that each person’s experience is different, they encouraged following the individual’s lead, respecting their privacy and boundaries, and continuing to check in.
Attendees ranged from University of Arizona students to a retired genetic counselor, to cancer survivors, caregivers, and those undergoing active treatment.
The event also highlighted the work of Sharsheret, a national nonprofit organization that supports Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer. Through education, resources, and personalized support, Sharsheret helps individuals navigate the many questions and challenges that can arise following a diagnosis or when considering their personal risk. Connecting women with organizations like Sharsheret is one way to help ensure that they know where to turn for information and support beyond a single evening or event.
For the TTC Tribe, raising awareness was only part of the evening’s goal. The program also inspired a tangible act of chesed. Attendees assembled care packages for women at TMC Health Cancer Center who are receiving treatment and/or undergoing surgery related to breast and gynecological cancers
“Going beyond the ‘awareness’ of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to taking concrete action and promoting self and communal advocacy is incredibly critical,” Baker said. Sponsored by the Anderson-Stone family in memory of Shoshana Leah bat Yosefa Leah, the project offered a way to extend the evening’s message of care and action to Southern Arizona women impacted by cancer.
Women interested in learning more about TTC Tribe or upcoming programs can reach out to Director of TTC Tribe Rochie Leiter at [email protected].
