A mitzvah project is a meaningful way to engage in some of the most important values of Judaism – repairing the world (tikkun olam) and compassion for others (v'ahavta l'rayecha kamocha).

For my Bat Mitzvah project, I had always thought that I wanted to help animals because I love them. Well, earlier this month I decided to go in a different direction.  I was in school watching a movie about empathy and it really shifted my thinking. As many of you know, my mom has had different cancers throughout her life. When I was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a confusing time for me watching her go through this and scary until we knew she would only need surgery. 

The day after watching the movie on empathy, we learned that one of my favorite teachers has cancer and he will not be coming back for a while. In speaking with a school administrator, I learned that she also had breast cancer a few years ago. Cancer touches so many lives- not only those getting treatment, but the people supporting the patient as well. 

I want to help. I want to raise money for research so that in the future people will not have to hear the words that they or their loved ones have cancer. I hope you will help me in raising funds for Dr. Nora Jaskowiak, the surgeon who operated on my mom. (She also happens to work at the same hospital as my dad, helping to save people’s lives). I want to support her research efforts and patient care. 

I also plan to walk alongside my mom next June to celebrate the Northwestern Cancer Survivors' Walk. I did this as a little kid and I look forward to supporting her and all of the other families who come together for their loved ones. 

So, THINK PINK!  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s help all of those who are suffering become WARRIORS against this disease!  

Love, 

Naomi

*If you want to Learn more about Dr. Nora Jaskowiak's work at UChicago Medicine please visit:

https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/find-a-physician/physician/nora-jaskowiak