Women Taking Care of Women

Attorney Rochelle Shoretz, 29, mother of two, an Orthodox Jew and former law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. While undergoing chemotherapy in November 2001 she founded Sharsheret—the word means chain In Hebrew—an organization specifically for young Jewish women who, like her, are fighting the disease and confronting issues like pregnancy after diagnosis, child rearing, genetic risks, and the role of religion In daily life with cancer. Sharsheret, P.O. Box 3245,Tea neck, New jersey, 07666; toll-free number: 866-832-9909; www.sharsheret.org.

This January, The Rita J. Kaplan Breast Imaging Center opened at Bellevue Hospital in New York, a city hospital that serves those on Medicaid or who are uninsured. “I just felt I had to do something,” said Kaplan, explaining the Importance of the new facility. “Why should a woman who is coming for this procedure have to go Into an ugly basement room?” she said, alluding to the former Bellevue facility. The new center Is, In her words, “sunny and bright and white.” It has state-of-the-art digital Imaging equipment, TV sets and a library, and a play area for children, staffed with volunteers, so that, Kaplan points out, women who come to their appointments with their children can be comfortable. Bellevue Hospital, 462 First Ave at 27th St., Rm W10, SW Corner, New York, New York 10016, 212-562-7095