The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Funds BRCA Gene Testing Pilot at the Chabad of the Hamptons
East Hampton, NY — The Ellen Hermanson Foundation (The Foundation) is using a grant from the Gray Foundation to fund a BRCA gene testing pilot program at Chabad of the Hamptons. “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer.
Up to 1 in 10 women with breast cancer has a hereditary mutation, and mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common causes of hereditary breast cancer.
The Chabad is an ideal partner for this pilot as women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher incidence of carrying a BRCA gene mutation, significantly increasing their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Approximately 2% of people, women and men, of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage carry a BRCA gene mutation.
As part of this initiative, the Chabad is hosting an informational community event featuring a presentation by Rachel Ratner, MS, CGC, MSW of Summit Health’s Genetic Counseling Center. The first 20 registrants will receive a complimentary JScreen BRCA test kit, an at-home saliva test that detects the presence of genes including BRCA1 and BRCA2 and aids in assessing hereditary cancer risk.
“We are so grateful to The Ellen Hermanson Foundation for providing support for this life-saving program. The forum will enable us to educate our constituents about the prevalence of this mutation among Ashkenazi Jews and alert them to the importance of testing” said Goldie Baumgarten, Co-Director of Chabad of the Hamptons.
Last year, The Foundation partnered with Chabad of the Hamptons to co-host a Pink Challah Bake to educate women about the importance of early detection and annual mammograms. This continued collaboration underscores The Foundation’s commitment to expanding strategic, community-based breast health initiatives on the East End.
The Foundation is also supporting BRCA testing at Peconic Bay Medical Center’s Breast Health Program, led by Susan Lee, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery. The funds will enable women whose insurance does not cover genetic testing to get tested.
“We are excited by these opportunities to expand the reach of our funding and provide critical breast cancer education and early detection resources to women across the East End,” said Mady Schuman, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We are grateful to the Gray Foundation for enabling us to make this life-saving testing accessible to our community.”
About The Ellen Hermanson Foundation
For over 30 years, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation has transformed the medical landscape of the East End of Long Island, where breast cancer diagnosis and mortality are among the highest in New York State. As a grassroots organization dedicated to providing state-of-the-art breast health care and supporting those affected by breast cancer, the Foundation achieves its mission through two main initiatives: educational outreach that highlights the importance of early detection and ensures access to mammography and treatment for medically underserved communities, and funding psycho-social support services that address the diverse challenges faced by breast cancer patients, survivors, their families, spouses, and friends. Access to care includes removing barriers to breast health care for the uninsured, underinsured and anyone seeking assistance following a breast cancer diagnosis. No one is turned away from the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center for lack of insurance or inability to pay for treatment.
For more information and/or interviews, please contact:
Mady J. Schuman
Executive Director
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation
mady.schuman@ellenhermanson.org
(631) 324-2802