The last word has not been spoken,The last sentence has not been written,
The final verdict is not in.
It is never too late
To change my mind,
My direction,
To say no to the past
And yes to the future,
To offer remorse,
To ask and give forgiveness,
It is never too late to start over again,
To feel again
To love again
To hope again. -- prayer from JACOB
At the age of 47, Lori Sklar was diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn't until after the diagnosis of cancer that Lori underwent genetic testing. Lori is an Ashkenazi Jewish woman who inherited the BRCA1 gene.
Both of her sisters have tested negative for the genetic mutation that can lead to an aggressive form of breast cancer. Lori says if she had known about her genetic predisposition, she would have taken positive measures to reduce her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. With her husband Bill as her partner, they have set out to break the cycle of inherited breast and ovarian cancer for future generations of Jewish women, by founding the non-profit Genetic Information to Stop Breast and Ovarian Cancer.
Genetic Information to Stop Breast and Ovarian Cancer targets two different groups of women across the globe. Reach Global was created to educate the general population of the benefits of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer. Due to the high risk of genetic breast and ovarian cancer among Ashkenazi women, Jacob International was created to target this group of women. For more information about Lori and Bill's work, visit Jacob International and Reach Global.
If you have inherited a BRCA gene mutation, you can reduce your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer up to 96 percent -- but you have to know before you can do anything to protect your health. A simple blood test will tell you if you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
It is said in the Talmud, "he who saves one life it is though they saved the entire world."
1. This is an extraordinary organization developed by someone who is a total hero. JACOB, International was just another example of making lemonade out of lemons by someone with spirit, courage, insight, leadership, and a devotion to doing God's work. Lori knows first hand that one person can make a difference. Through JACOB, International, women will become educated to take action. Testing for the braca gene isn't a theory, it is empowering for women who are not helpless victims of this disease.
JACOB, International gives us choices, hope and a way individually we can help others by helping ourselves. Cancer doesn't just affect those with the disease. I assure you, the pain, anguish, fear, were all felt personally by me as I watched my beloved friend Lori and her extraordinary husband and sisters in the long struggle to overcome was experienced by so many others. Praying every single night, prayer circles, having people pray all over the world, keeping in touch helped me deal with all the feelings converging on me everyday. Someone who does good for so many, who gives us each opportuntities to repair the world, how unfair and yet Lori continued to be Lori. This world needs Lori, and JACOB, International and your support. Add your story to ours. We really are one family and we will flight this together and pray together and love together. I hope you write your comments soon, Betsy Dobrick
Posted at 4:02PM on Jun 8th 2006 by Betsy Dobrick