breast biopsy in bosnia

today i am exposed to something new and interesting. joint distribution committee (JDC), in concert with susan g. komen for the cure, is running a program for breast cancer awareness, screening, advocacy, and treatment in bosnia and herzegovina. this pilot project is having great success in changing existing attitudes and stigmas surrounding this disease, while targeting the government with the aim of forcing more accessible and universal help in this arena. prior to this initiative, which is being replicated in other areas (former soviet union), women who underwent mastectomy were eligible for one, yes ONE, implant (not two!) ... and that is if they were able to secure an early diagnosis, and get treatment, and survive the disease!

it is incredible to hear from the leadership of susan g. komen. this amazing organization runs a tight ship, relying on professional staff, passion, and grass roots efforts to fight (and end) breast cancer. the global ambassador for this battle is hadassah lieberman, the partner of joe lieberman. today she speaks frankly and eloquently to a small focus group during lunch - she is moved to be addressing JDC, as her parents survived the holocaust and were themselves recipients of JDC aid. she speaks thoughtfully of coming full circle, back to what her parents called 'the joint' - and how touched she is to be at this gathering. she is an excellent spokesperson for this cause, and hala moddelmog likewise moves people with her candid and wise speech. both of these inspiring women congratulate me on my efforts on behalf of the orphans in rwanda, and i am truly humbled, feeling as though i am 'a baby' relative to their ongoing accomplishments. we discuss possibilities for further partnership, and this is something that jane and i feel a synergy for ... we'd love further our work with JDC and also tie it back to susan g. komen for the cure.

as an aside, many people attending the meetings of the past two days are enthralled with the project in rwanda. the parallels between the genocidal fate of this african nation, and the holocaust suffered by jews, gypsies, homosexuals, intellectuals, and the righteous, is not lost on anyone. it is critical, as jews, as victims, to further secure and protect and harbor and eradicate and rally against evil manifesting itself. we, more than any other group, must stand up for what is morally correct, and have an obligation to give of ourselves when things run amok (as they most often due with human nature). additionally, there are similarities between the state of rwanda and the state of israel - both tiny, both young, both building up from ashes. today, paul kagame, the president of this minuscule east african nation, celebrates the 60th anniversary of israel's independence in jerusalem - amazing!

so, a new chapter begins. i am not certain how it will come to be, but jane and i have swung onto a new vine. just at the moment, the instant, when she is healed and back to herself, when we have had the opportunity to regroup as a family, reconnect with our former lives, we have a new cause to champion and be a part of. we're ready for this, and feel blessed that it has come into our lives at just the right time!

spring in our step

ahh, a lovely and exhilarating day!

let's start from the finale, which really seemed to click with us. i am invited to attend a two day conference in the city for 'our' organization JDC (joint distribution committee). i am a guest of the board, and the symposiums are attended by about 200 people, intellects all beyond my own capabilities. at the end of the day, i have a lengthy discussion with hala moddelmog, the CEO of susan g. komen for the cure. i have the opportunity to have an intimate chat about optimism, hope, saline vs. gel, and new screening for women in tanzania and ghana. amazing!!! and a highlight - i share jane's story with this fascinating woman, who will be speaking tomorrow morning bright and early!

the event is held at the helmsley hotel on 42nd street. there is a large post-breakfast gathering, and anne heyman, the founder of our rwanda project, is on the panel. in addition to speaking about the efforts in rwamagana, she lauds my contribution to ASYV, very kind and encouraging. we are fortunate enough to have natalie portman, the movie starlet, traveling with a mission in a few weeks to kigali, where she will plant acacia trees at the entry to the site - amazing! additionally, manlio from JDC rome is there - my peer and confidant who is also working on our project and who works closely with the on-the-ground team in ethiopia. he asks me if i will give an architecture lecture in addis ababa in the fall to students who are recipients of grants for higher education ... YES!

jane, too, is appreciated - a number of people inform me how amazing and inspirational she is, both in her breast cancer 'battle' as well as for her contribution to the rwanda effort - she is assisting with AIDS prevention and teenage mental and physical wellness programs. we are so fortunate to have found this amazing organization, where we feel as if we are contributing to a real and tangible system which preserves jewish life, cultural identity, and also is vital for it's non-sectarian work.

i participate in break out groups discussing how best to assist far-flung jewish communities in the former soviet union. we talk about nutrition for impoverished israeli children and senior citizens. the day flies, totally fascinating. at the end of day cocktail and light dinner get together, we are addressed by the jerusalem post editor in chief, david horovitz. he is compelling, funny, and intense simultaneously. i meet hadassah lieberman, the partner of former vice-presidential candidate joe lieberman. i mingle with many at JDC who i have come to respect and admire for their commitment and dedication.

the sun shines, it's warm at last, and we end the day with thick slices of red velvet cake - mmmm!