In this powerful episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa sits down with Elana Silber, CEO of Sharsheret, to discuss how the organization is transforming support for individuals and families navigating BRCA mutations, hereditary cancer risk, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, preventative surgeries, IVF with PGT-M, and survivorship.
Elana Silber has spent more than two decades leading Sharsheret’s life-saving support and education programs for women, men, and families facing cancer. Under her leadership, Sharsheret has grown from a small grassroots initiative into an internationally respected organization serving thousands each year across the United States, Israel, and beyond.
Together, Marisa and Elana explore the emotional realities that often go unspoken after a BRCA diagnosis — including fear, family planning, difficult medical decisions, motherhood, mental health, and the gap between clinical care and real-life support.
In this episode, they discuss:
• BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations
• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
• Genetic testing and understanding family history
• Preventative mastectomy and prophylactic surgery
• IVF with PGT-M and family planning options
• Peer support, grief, and mental health resources
• Mastectomy recovery kits and Sharsheret’s Busy Boxes for children
• How hereditary cancer impacts the entire family
• Why emotional support matters just as much as medical care
Elana also shares how Sharsheret provides free and confidential culturally relevant support, financial assistance, educational resources, genetic counseling, social work services, peer mentorship, survivorship support, and customized care kits for individuals and families navigating hereditary cancer and cancer treatment.
This conversation is filled with honesty, education, compassion, and hope for anyone navigating hereditary cancer risk, considering genetic testing, supporting a loved one, or searching for trusted resources after a BRCA diagnosis.
Learn more about Sharsheret at Sharsheret.org
Or follow on Instagram @SharsheretOfficial
🎙️ BRCA & Beyond is a podcast dedicated to hereditary cancer awareness, genetic mutations, previvorship, survivorship, advocacy, and the emotional realities of life before, during, and beyond genetic risk.
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