I Metro
AROUND TOWN
Strength in Numbers
New cancer thrivers group connects for cocktails and conversation.
Sandy Schwartz of West Bloomfield and State Sen. Gilda Jacobs of Huntington Woods
M
ichelle Passon of Commerce Township is living proof that women who are
diagnosed with cancer can not only survive, they can thrive. The 64-year-old
wife, mother of two adult daughters and former director of ORT Michigan
Region has kicked cancer twice. She was treated for breast cancer nearly four decades ago at
the young age of 25 and had ovarian cancer at 44.Yet, she considers
those battles just a small part of her life.
"You learn an awful lot when you've had cancer; you learn
about being empowered and being strong;' Passon said. "It's not
a victim thing. It shouldn't be, anyway."
Passon and two other `thrivers; Patti Nemer of West
Bloomfield and Sandy Schwartz of Franklin, came together
to form the Cancer Thrivers Network for Jewish Women. The
new group, open to women of all ages who've been diagnosed
with any type of cancer at any time in their lives, hosted an
evening of cocktails and conversation with Sen. Gilda Jacobs,
D-Huntington Woods, Oct. 23 at the West Bloomfield JCC. The
event was their first gathering.
Nancy Nida of Bloomfield Hills and Rusty Rosman of
Commerce
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Michelle Passon of Commerce and Patti Nemer of West Bloomfield
"Our mission is to enrich and empower Jewish women through activities, friendship,
resources, education and humor:' said Passon. "We have three bonds when we walk in
the room: being Jewish, being women and having cancer. We just want people to know
they're embraced if they need somebody"
The thrivers created a logo with attitude depicting a cancer-awareness ribbon strut-
ting in high heels to represent their focus — celebrating life. Passon says the day after
their event, one participant underwent a mastectomy. She attended to meet other cancer
survivors who could bolster her spirit.
"With advances in research, treatment and technology the outlook is so hopeful for so
many people said Passon. "I think we need to have a sense of hope, celebration and joy
in life."
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The Cancer Thrivers Network for Jewish Women will host its next event Dec.
4. It's a "Day at the J," including a spa day and boxed lunch. For more infor-
mation, contact Patti Nemer at: (248) 790-5854 or email Michelle Passon at:
smp1543®comcast.net .
Susan Chomsky of Southfield and Mark Lit of
West Bloomfield
Charlotte Kominars of Commerce and Sheila
Kasselman of West Bloomfield
November 6 a 2008
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