Hadassah’s medical breakthroughs improves lives

JoyceToub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

Last month, I promised updates on the many medical miracles and programs initiated by Hadassah and Hadassah Hospital. You’ll see how we are spreading healing and hope and how our medical breakthroughs and advocacy are improving the lives of people.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Too often, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. As a result of research at the Pollin Center at Hadassah Hospital, many new heart centers for women are opening to address disparities between men and women, enhancing women’s knowledge and awareness, and improving outcomes.

The incidence of diabetes and heart disease is 60% higher in Arab women than in Jewish women, so Hadassah has trained Arab women to become Health Promotion Leaders. These women are now running intervention programs, teaching people about healthy lifestyles.

Hadassah Medical Organization is making breakthroughs to improve life for people with multiple sclerosis and ALS. HMO researchers found evidence that stem cells injected into the central nervous system showed a marked decrease in disability in these patients. HMO scientists are also the first in the world to create male and female stem cells from the same person, with the exact same genetic code, allowing researchers to study how gender differences affect health care.

Dr. Tamar Perri, director of the new gynecologic oncology department, is working to make women aware of the symptoms of gynecologic cancers so that they can seek immediate medical attention. She emphasizes that a diagnosis of uterine cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer need not be an automatic death sentence.

In a new podcast episode of “Hadassah on Call,” women learn how hormones affect their mental health. Listeners gain a better understanding of premenstrual syndrome, pre- and post-partum depression and menopause, so they can recognize them and know when to seek help.

Dr. Polina Stepensky heads the department of bone marrow transplantation and cancer immunotherapy for adults and children. Doctors in her department are now using genetically engineered T cells to help treat what was once incurable multiple myeloma.

These are just a few of the miracles happening in our hospitals on Mt. Scopus and in Ein Kerem. Hadassah hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality. We are the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States, and we work to effect change and advocate on critical issues to promote women’s health, combat antisemitism and ensure the security of Israel. We must fundraise to promote our values and to support our hospitals.

We empower women to put our values into action. Please join us in our upcoming programs and expand your horizons in Expanding Horizons Plus:

• May 22, 3:30 p.m. – Stephani Bakes presented by chef/baker Stephani Schwartz

• July 13, noon – Summer Fun – a book swap and lunch with hostess Leda Lubin

• Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m. – Whatever Happened to the Great American Railroad? presented by Jeffrey Margolis

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!