Hadadi
The Center For The Breast Cancer Survivor
Jerusalem, Israel
Rachel writes:
In July 2003 at the age of 37 while pregnant, I found a lump in my
breast that was found to be malignant. Following diagnosis, I endured a tempestuous
two years that included surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and reconstruction.
Inextricably linked to the medical treatments was the constant grappling with the
concomitant extra-medical demands: The search for information about breast cancer
and the current treatments; the attempt to understand what to expect at each stage of
the disease and treatment process; acquisition of cosmetic aids (wigs, hats, cosmetics);
and the search for women who had experienced breast cancer or were in the process
of treatment who could provide emotional support.
Dealing with all aspects of the process was much more difficult due to the absence I
perceived - the lack of a community of women who had experienced breast cancer, the
only ones who could give the kind of support I needed. Volunteers from "Yad Le'Hachlama"
of the Israel Cancer Association provided support at key points in the treatment process
and answered questions happily, but this kind of support is intermittent and is not
reinforced by daily personal contact. I only fully realized what was missing after I found
and joined an online support group (most of whose members are from the U.S.). Talking
to these women gave me the kind of support I had been seeking. Meeting some of these
women face to face was an exceptional experience that emphasized the benefit of direct
personal contact. Online exchanges can be good but they are not sufficient. An enduring
physical community is the real solution.
Another deficit was the lack of information on the problems and feelings that accompany
treatment and the possible physical solutions to meet these needs. Also, it was a real
hassle trying to assemble all of these necessities at a time when my physical condition
made it particularly hard to be running around.
During this period I realized that not only do I want such a center for myself and others
like me, but with my professional skills and experience in financial and organizational
management, I had the obligation to establish such a center myself.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center is to serve as a welcoming "home" for women grappling with breast cancer. The Center will furnish emotional and social support as well as provide for the psychological, physical and informational needs that arise at diagnosis, during treatment and afterwards. The Center will combine the atmosphere and accessibility needed for a supportive community with accommodation of the physical needs accompanying medical treatment.
The Name
Hadadi is a Hebrew word meaning mutual, as in mutual support or mutual understanding. There is also a level of word play involved as the name also contains the word dad, one of the Hebrew words for breast.