Twenty years ago, at age 34, I was diagnosed with estrogen-positive breast cancer that had already spread to my lymph nodes and spine. For me, it has become a chronic disease, a long journey of test and treatments.
I have been fortunate to see my two children, Debbie and Peter, grow to adulthood and to spend wonderful years with the support of my husband, Bob.
I use my education as a Diet Technician to volunteer at Cornell Cooperative Extension and I enjoy my time as docent at the Susan B. Anthony House and Landmark Society. I also read once a week at WXXI Reachout Radio, a service for the blind and visually impaired.
Judaism has always been a part of my life. Seven years ago, I began two years of study for my adult Bat Mitzvah. The day I fulfilled my goal of reading Hebrew from the Torah at my synagogue created a memory I will never forget.