Cancer Doesn't Care - Pelorous

Cancer
doesn’t care
2010 Issue 5
We do. And this is what we do.
Advisory Services
Advocacy and Information
Citizens Advice Bureau
Financial and Legal Guidance
Jewish Perspectives on Cancer
Medical Connections
Nutritional and Dietary Advice and
Information
Resources and Information
Children and Family Service
Group Activities
Art Workshop
Laughter Clinic
Meditation
Pilates
Post Breast Surgery Exercise Group
Wednesday Social Afternoons
Yoga
Support Groups
BRCA Gene Carriers’ Group
Breast Buddies
Groups for Cancer Patients
Groups for Parents of Cancer Patients
Counselling
Individuals, couples
& families
Genetic Issues
Relationship Issues
Telephone Counselling
Therapies
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Physiotherapy
Complementary Therapies
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Foot Care Service
Healing
Hot Stones
Indian Head Massage
Reflexology
Reiki
Shiatsu
Therapeutic Massage
Home Support Service
Volunteer Services
Chai’s services are available at sites within London,
Essex, Manchester, Glasgow and in clients’ own homes.
If you are not close to a Chai centre we can provide
counselling, nutritional and advisory services by telephone.
To find out more please call our freephone helpline
on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org
Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No.1078956.
In this issue:
Opening of the Wohl Wing
Tracy-Ann Oberman at Chai
Cancer Genetics – The Jewish Perspective
20 years of Chai – Susan Shipman
Q&As with Sir Ralph & Lady Zahava Kohn
Growth of our Services
Appealing to the Appetite
20 years of cancer support in the community

Message from the Chairman
Contents
Louise Hager
Welcome to a bumper issue of ‘Together’ in what is a very special
year for Chai Cancer Care. Twenty years ago Chai was founded by
two remarkable women, Susan Shipman and my dear mother
Frances Winegarten z”l. Whilst they always knew of the need in the
community, they could not have foreseen how Chai would develop in such a relatively short
space of time. We continue to hold firm to our commitment to provide a high quality,
accessible, confidential and professional service – always delivered with empathy and warmth.
This year has been significant for Chai for so many reasons. We have opened four further
satellite services (Glasgow, South Manchester, Hackney and Southend) to add to those
successfully established in Redbridge, South London and North Manchester.
Our Hendon Centre continues to be our largest service provider, as well as our Head Office.
To enable us to meet our clients’ needs and to expand our services, we recently opened the
purpose built Wohl Wing in early summer. Our Home Support Service is vital to our clients who
cannot get to any of our centres. This service ensures that they can benefit from our one-to-one
therapies, counselling and advice sessions in their own homes. On Pages 16 & 17 we
demonstrate how much demand has grown in all areas of our work.
I hope that you will enjoy the diversity of our articles and I am grateful to all contributors. We
are, as always, indebted to our Medical Patrons who keep us up to date with the latest
developments in the cancer world.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our many loyal friends and supporters. As we do not receive any
statutory funding, your generosity has enabled us to keep pace and meet the ever growing
demand of all those who turn to us.
From all of us at Chai we hope you enjoy reading ‘Together’.
My Personal Relections over the past 20 years: Susan Shipman 4 - 8
Major Milestones 9
Immune Boosting Foods: Lana Pinshaw 10 - 11
Breast Cancer: Prof. Michael Baum & Mr Michael Douek 12 - 13
Spa Day 14 - 15
Growth of our Services 16 - 17
Group Activities 18
One Family’s Story 19
Colorectal Cancer: Mr Daren Francis 20 - 21
Opening of the Wohl Wing 22 - 23
Q&A with Sir Ralph Kohn FRS and Lady Zahava Kohn 24 - 26
A Charity that’s my Cup of Chai: Tracy-Ann Oberman 27
Cancer Genetics – The Jewish Perspective: Dr Ian Ellis 28 - 31
Chai Promise 32 - 33
Dina’s Story: Vicky Brown 34
Lady Jakobovits z’l 35
Lighten the Load – One Stress you can relieve! Vicky Brown 36 - 38
Advice and Advocay at Chai 39
President
The Rt. Hon. Lord Young
of Graffham
Founder Presidents
Susan Shipman
Frances Winegarten z”l
Chairman
Louise Hager
Trustees
Louise Hager
Lady Kalms MBE
Simon Kanter
Susan Shipman
Philip Weinstein
Lord Young
Honorary Patrons
Lord Janner of Braunstone QC
Medical Patrons
Prof Michael Baum
Prof Michael Brada
Mr Michael Douek
Prof Andrew Eder
Prof Rosalind Eeles
Mr Daren Francis
Mr Jerry Gilmore
Prof Anthony Goldstone CBE
Prof Daniel Hochhauser
Mr Amir Kaisary
Prof Jonathan Ledermann
Prof Gordon McVie
Dr Jeremy Nathan
Dr Jane Neerkin
Prof Gordon Rustin
Prof Karol Sikora
Prof Albert Singer
Prof Stephen Spiro
Prof Irving Taylor
A Year in the Life of Chai 40 - 41
The Effects of Cancer on Relationship & Intimacy 42
The Natalie Shipman Memorial Lectures 43
Appealing to the Appetite: Healthy Eating Recipes 44 - 45
Year in Fundraising – 2010 46 - 47
Maureen Lipman CBE
Prof Ian Jacobs
Dr Adrian Tookman
Chief Executive
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks
Prof Gordon Jayson
Elaine Kerr
This edition of ogether is generously sponsored by The Dorset Foundation
Cover image: Tracy-Ann Oberman in the Garden Room at Chai photographed by Jeremy Coleman.

My Personal Reflections over the past 20 years:
Susan Shipman – Founder President
It’s hard to believe that it is twenty one years ago since I
received the phone call from Frances Winegarten z’l
that was to be the beginning of the cancer support
organisation that is known today as Chai Lifeline
Cancer Care.
Frances at this time was in remission from two bouts of a
rare type of cancer that had been very difficult to treat.
She had endured high doses of radiotherapy and
chemotherapy that was experimental to her problem,
as there were no known proven drugs to treat her
particular form of cancer.
Susan Shipman & Frances Winegarten z’l
Frances was a lady blessed with a strong character
and positive attitude; she was determined to survive
and so, in addition to the conventional treatments
prescribed by her physicians, she took her health into
her own hands by changing her diet and her lifestyle.
Hearing of her recovery, many cancer patients sought
Frances’s advice on diet and benefitted from her
empathetic support.
In contrast, I was the mother of a child who had been
diagnosed with cancer when she was two years old. At
this time Natalie z’l was six and a half and had had in
the four years since diagnosis, three separate rare forms
of cancer. She had survived three major operations
and meningitis and endured gruelling radiotherapy
and chemotherapy.
At that time I was in the process of starting a support
group at Great Ormond Street Hospital for the parents
of children with cancer. On my many visits with Natalie
over the years, I had been touched by the number of
parents in the Oncology Department who were unable
to cope emotionally.
“Amelie... insisted that
Frances meet me – and the
rest is history!”
It was fortuitous that Lady Amelie Jakobovits z’l was
visiting Frances when she received a call from a friend
of mine. Through this friend I had heard of the work
Frances was doing with cancer patients. I had asked
her to tell Frances that if ever she needed any help with
children who had cancer she should call me. On
hearing my name, Amelie who had been a close friend
since 1986 when we had first met in GOSH when Natalie
had her second operation, insisted that Frances meet
me – and the rest is history!
We first met in Frances’s flat on a very hot evening in
June 1989. Despite the difference in our ages it was a
meeting of two kindred spirits who had both been
touched, albeit differently, by a terrible disease and
who had recognised the importance of emotional
support in the healing process. At this time the
treatment for cancer was to cut it out, burn it, or poison
it – the emotional effects of being diagnosed with a life
threatening illness for both the patient and their family
were not considered.
That night Frances convinced me of the importance of
starting a support group for Jewish cancer patients. She
had felt completely isolated when attending a non-
Jewish support group when she was ill, due to the many
and diverse cultural difference between Jews and non-
Jews. It is also well documented that in moments of
crisis, regardless of levels of observance, people have a
need to go back to their roots where they feel
comfortable and secure. And so, our intention that
night was to start a telephone support helpline. Neither
of us could have imagined then that twenty years later,
that helpline would have become one of the foremost
Cancer Support Organisations in the United Kingdom.
By December of 1989 we had formed a committee and
in March 1990, Chai Lifeline was granted charitable
status and Frances and I were able to set up a
telephone helpline that was run from both our homes.
The first thing we did was to write a letter to the Jewish
Chronicle and the Jewish Tribune to advise the
community of the service we were offering – but no one
called! It wasn’t until May that year, when one of the
members of the original committee managed to get
the JC to print an article about us, that the phone
started to ring - not with clients seeking support, but
from recovered cancer patients and their family
members, volunteering to help.
Sadly, the same weekend that we were interviewed by
the JC, Natalie relapsed and we were told by Great
Ormond Street that although they couldn’t identify the
problem, she probably only had three months to live. I
vividly remember sitting in my garden the following
week with Frances and her daughter Louise Hager,
discussing Chai Lifeline’s future and why people were
not phoning for help and what we could do about it.
“At that time... the word
cancer was rarely uttered
in the Jewish community.”
Natalie Shipman z’l March 1990
At that time cancer was a taboo subject that was never
discussed. Indeed the word cancer was rarely uttered in
the Jewish community to describe the disease; instead
expressions like “the big C”, “the illness”, “you know
what” or “yenna machala – that disease” were used.
We realised that if we were to be able to help the
community’s cancer patients, we first had to take away
their fear of cancer.
Aaron & Frances Winegarten z’l &
Susan Shipman, Philip Shipman z’l
In 1990 there was very little information about cancer
available to the general public. The subject was rarely
in the media and there was no internet. Frances and I
decided that the best way to take away the fear was
through education and so we decided to hold a public
lecture.
At that time the charity had no money, and so my
husband Philip z’l and I, together with Frances and her
husband Aaron z’l, jointly gave £1000 pounds to pay for
the advertisements for the lecture and hire of the hall –
it was the best £500 we ever invested!
We held our first public lecture on 11th September 1990
in Norrice Lea Synagogue Hall. It was the first time that
a lecture about cancer was to be given by eminent
cancer specialists to a lay audience and Frances and I
were petrified that nobody would turn up. The hall had
room for 400 chairs theatre style and we didn’t want it
to look empty. We were very tempted to hire “rent a
crowd” but instead decided to put out 200 chairs with a
further 200 stacked at the back just in case. To our
amazement, 400 people crowded into the hall that
night and a further 100 were turned away at the door!
The lecture was a huge success and the feedback was
very positive. At last we started to get phone calls from
people wanting help as well as from those wanting to
volunteer.
That same week Natalie, who seemed to have
recovered from her relapse in May, was diagnosed with
the return of her brain tumour. Great Ormond Street’s
prediction in May was sadly correct and Natalie lost her
brave fight against cancer in October 1990, one month
before her eighth birthday.
I was bereft, but at the same time determined that
Natalie’s short life was not to have been in vain. It was
her wish during the last few months of her life to help me
and “Aunty” Frances with Chai Lifeline when she got
4 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 5

It wasn’t long before we needed to have a proper base
and so in 1992 we opened our first office in Heather
House in Golders Green. We had for some time been
providing trained volunteers all of whom had
experienced cancer - either themselves or through
a family member - as befrienders to support our clients.
Now that we had an office, we were able to man the
helpline with trained volunteers as well.
Lifeline Centre for Health in Norwood House, later to
become Shield House, in Hendon. The capital costs of the
move were high and the increase in services meant
employing more professional staff and higher running
costs. We are indebted to the Trustees of the Kennedy
Leigh Foundation, the first major trust to give us financial
support, for recognising the potential in our fledgling
organisation and for their continuous support for the past
twenty years.
Chai was steadily gaining a reputation for excellence
and professionalism. Frances and I were invited to attend
several Government Forums on cancer and we were also
invited by the EU to Brussels as part of a British Delegation.
People from throughout the UK who wanted to start
cancer support groups contacted us for advice. In
addition Chai was invited to take part in The North
London Cancer Network, a network comprising the five
major cancer hospitals in North West London.
older – instead she has been the inspiration behind
Chai for the past twenty years.
We decided to organise three Natalie Shipman
Memorial Lectures for the following year to be held in
January, February and March. We booked the hall,
arranged advertisements for the media and designed
flyers to be circulated through kosher shops, Shuls etc.
The problem was that we had no money to pay for it all!
Lady J, who had continued to be of tremendous help
and encouragement to Frances and I since being our
‘Shadchan’, was adamant that we shouldn’t turn to the
Community for financial help. This was because the first
Gulf War had just begun and all available money was
needed for Israel. Fortunately we were given the All
Aboard Shop in Golders Green for two weeks to raise
money. With the help of a fantastic team of volunteers,
who managed to fill the shop with very saleable goods
for us to sell, we raised over £2500, a staggering amount
at that time for a charity shop!
Frances Winegarten z’l, Susan Shipman & Louise Hager
In July 1993 we held a Breast Cancer Awareness lecture
in Stamford Hill aimed at providing the religious
community in that area with vital information about
breast cancer. Over 800 women attended and
afterwards, through feedback from breast cancer
specialists, we discovered that at least 7 women who
had attended the lecture had found lumps and sought
medical help.
The Centre provided the space for us to introduce many
new services. Professional counselling, well man and well
woman screening, complementary therapies, laughter
clinic (the first of its kind in the U.K.), genetic counselling,
spiritual counselling, “Ask the Expert” lectures and many
more. In addition we were able to bring our volunteer
training and supervision in house. Most importantly,
however, people in need of emotional support were able
to access that help through “the back door”. They no
longer needed to place a phone call to ask for support;
instead they called to make an appointment for
aromatherapy or reflexology and this was their
comfortable way to start benefitting from Chai’s services,
often leading to the use of counselling later.
In November 1997, my husband Philip z’l was diagnosed
with an inoperable brain tumour and died after only two
months in January 1998. This was a bitter blow, especially
coming only eight years after losing Natalie. I must admit
that there were times when I found the responsibility of
running Chai and being surrounded by cancer on a daily
basis difficult to bear. But knowing that so many people
were relying on Chai ‘s support gave me the strength to
carry on.
There is no doubt that the establishment of Chai Lifeline
and its tremendous success was not achieved without
personal cost to both Frances and me. Frances was
involved with Chai on a daily basis at a time in her life
“Other minority groups
came to us for advice as
to how to start cancer
support groups in their
own communities.”
From then onwards we never looked back. We have
always felt the Alm-ghty’s guiding hand and in
response to the ever growing need Chai Lifeline grew at
an amazing pace. For many years after, however, we
continued to get criticism as to why, when cancer
knows no boundaries, was there the need for a Jewish
cancer support group. Amazingly this criticism came
from the Jewish, not the wider community. The non-
Jewish Community gave us their whole hearted support
and other minority groups came to us for advice as to
how to start cancer support groups in their own
communities.
The impact of this lecture was amazing. Eminent cancer
specialists started to approach us asking to speak at
our lectures! We continued to gain credibility in the
medical profession and soon had an impressive list of
Medical Patrons. We formed our Medical Advisory
Panel, which meets regularly at Chai and continues to
support and advise us to this day.
Despite our continuing growth we were getting very
few calls to the helpline. In fact most of the calls for help
were being made to the office number. We reached
the conclusion that people found it hard to ask for help
especially over the telephone and needed another
way to access our services. We decided the answer
was to open a Cancer Support Centre, a physical
place where people could just drop in, a place where
we could offer a variety of additional services.
In 1994 thanks to the invaluable help of our Trustee
Ernest Weinstein z’l, who found the premises and
supervised the construction, we opened the Chai
Frances Winegarten z’l, Susan Shipman, Ben Shipman, Philip Shipman z’l,
Mark Shipman, Jane Shipman, Stella Weinstein, Ernest Weinstein z’l
6 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 7

increasing demand. We also have satellite centres in
Redbridge, Southend, South London, North and South
Manchester, Glasgow and Hackney with plans to open
on the South Coast in the near future.
Major Milestones
Aaron Winegarten z’l, HRH Duke of Kent & Philip Weinstein
when her husband was retired and they should
have been enjoying quality time together and with
their family.
As for me, my involvement was also given at great cost
to my family, especially my children, who lost me to
Chai at times when they needed me the most,
especially after the death of their father.
By 2002 we were running out of space in Norwood
House and needed to move. I am delighted that I was
able to facilitate the purchase of 142 – 146 Great North
Way in Hendon, before making Aliyah to Israel on my
remarriage in December 2002. Since then Chai Cancer
Care has gone from strength to strength in very
capable hands.
Finding it impossible to remain involved on a daily basis
from so far away, I eventually resigned and handed
over the reigns to my Co-Chairman Louise Hager. Louise
continues to run the organisation with the same passion
and dedication that her mother and I had, with the
addition of her own tremendous flair and warmth. She is
ably assisted by Chief Executive Elaine Kerr, whose
professionalism and commitment has enabled our vision
from so long ago to become a reality.
In addition, Chai is fortunate to have the expert
backing of its President Lord Young and my co-trustees
Lady Pamela Kalms MBE, Philip Weinstein and Simon
Kanter, who together bring to the organisation
their years of communal knowledge and wide
ranging experience.
In June this year we opened the Wohl Wing which gives
us much needed additional space to meet the steadily
As I reflect upon Chai’s achievements over the
past twenty years I am so very proud to have been
part of the establishment and growth of such a
wonderful organisation
I am only sorry that Natalie, Frances, Philip, Aaron,
Ernest and Lady J are no longer with us to celebrate
this special milestone.
“I am so very proud to have
been a part of... such a
wonderful organisation.”
Hachnosas sefer torah in Bushey Shul on 16th Sept 1990
I sincerely hope that the next twenty years will bring
an increase in the cures for cancer and that eventually
one day there will be no need for Chai Cancer
Care’s services.
Susan Shipman
Founder President and Trustee
June 1989
Susan Shipman and Frances Winegarten meet
December 1989 First meeting of the newly formed Committee
March 1990
Charitable status granted to Chai Lifeline
Start of support helpline in homes of SS & FW
Letter advising the Community of the new service appears in the JC
May 1990
Article appears in the JC about Chai Lifeline & attracts calls
from volunteers
September 1990 First public lecture held in Norrice Lea Synagogue attracts 500
people of whom 100 were unable to gain entry
October 1990
Susan Shipman’s daughter Natalie passes away from a brain tumour
January 1991
First Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture
February 1991
Second Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture
March 1991
Third Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture
June 1992
Opening of office in Heather House, Golders Green
July 1993
Breast Cancer Awareness Lecture in Stamford Hill attracts 800 Women
June 1994
Opening of Cancer Support Centre in Norwood House, Hendon
Start of counselling and complementary therapy clinics
May 1996
First fundraising dinner at the home of Sir Sydney and
Lady Rosa Lipworth CBE
January 1998
Founder Trustee Philip Shipman passes away from brain tumour
December 1998 Louise Hager becomes a Trustee
June 2001
10th Anniversary Dinner at Grosvenor House Hotel
November 2001 Change of name from Chai Lifeline to Chai Lifeline Cancer Care
October 2002
Frances Winegarten becomes Founder President
October 2002
Louise Hager becomes Co-Chairman
October 2002
Trustee Ernest Weinstein passes away
November 2002 Purchase of 142-146 Great North Way
October 2003
Move to 142 Great North Way
February 2004
Official opening of The Chai Cancer Care Centre for Health by
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent
July 2006
Lord Young becomes President
February 2006
Founder President Frances Winegarten passes away at 84 years of
a heart attack
May 2007
Opening of the first satellite service in Redbridge
July 2008
Opening of satellite service in South London
October 2008
Founder Trustee Aaron Winegarten passes away
May 2009
Opening of satellite service in North Manchester
May 2010
Opening of satellite service in Glasgow
May 2010
Honorary Patron Amelie Jakobovits passes away
June 2010
Opening of the Wohl Wing in Hendon
July 2010
Opening of satellite service in Hackney
August 2010
Opening of satellite service in South Manchester
September 2010 Opening of satellite service in Southend
8 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 9

Immune Boosting Foods: Lana Pinshaw
The immune system is critically important in fighting
illness including cancer. Individual cancer cells can
arise in all of us from time to time. If your immune
system is vigilant, it recognises and destroys cancer
cells before they can take hold, so strengthening your
immune system can be helpful in cancer prevention
and survival.
Like soldiers anywhere, your immune cells fight more
effectively when they are well nourished.
Certain types of food stand out in the nutritional
crowd because they have special properties that
make them more beneficial to our health.
The nutrients contained within these “superfoods”
can assist with many of the body’s natural functions
such as digestion, boosting the immune system,
strengthening bones.
Antioxidants is the term used to describe the group
of vitamins, minerals and certain phytochemicals
found in foods that help protect the body from the
damaging effects of Free Radical damage.
Free Radicals can be naturally created by the body
or they can be produced by toxins like tobacco,
pollution, radiation from sunlight and radioactive
material. These toxins can be “carcinogenic”
Immune Boosting Recipes
Mango-Papaya Smoothie
(serves 4)
2 cups plain low fat yoghurt
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
1 papaya, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus 4 lime slices
for garnish
3 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor
until smooth. Blend in another ½ cup ice cubes if
desired to thin the smoothie mixture to desired
consistency. Divide the mixture among 4 chilled
large glasses and garnish each smoothie with
a lemon slice.
meaning they can alter or damage cells in the body
which could lead to cancer development.
Antioxidants are able to protect cells and can help
prevent free radicals from forming thereby helping to
prevent cell damage.
Among the list of the nutrients there are some main
“superfoods” which are good to include in your diet,
red and orange peppers, kiwi fruit, brazil nuts,
tomatoes, broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots,
mangoes, strawberries, cabbage, watercress, brussel
sprouts, virgin olive oil, sunflower seeds, wholegrain
bread, garlic and oranges.
Including more of the superfoods into your diet instead
of red meat, fatty and sugary foods will help to
regulate and maintain a healthy weight which is
another important factor in reducing your risk of
getting cancer.
By eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of
plant foods we stand a much better chance of getting
all the nutrients we need for optimum health.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
(serves 4)
2 medium sized sweet potatoes - cut into wedges
1/8 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp season salt
¼ tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
Preheat oven to 200ºC
Combine all ingredients in a plastic bag. Seal
and shake. Place sweet potato wedges on
a baking sheet coated with cooking spray(do
not overlap). Bake at 200ºC for 20 minutes or until
very tender, flipping potatoes once during cooking.
Antioxidant
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Selenium
Beta Carotene
Phytochemical
Allium
Apigenin
Catechins
Coumestans
Soflavones
Isothiocyanates
Lignins
Phytic acid
Quercetin
Resveratrol
Good Food Sources
Citrus fruits, berries, dark green vegetables, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, pineapple,
cantaloupe, mangos, papaya and guava
Vegetable oils, nuts and nut butters, seeds, whole grains, wheat, wheat germ, brown rice,
oatmeal, soybeans, sweet potatoes, legumes and dark leafy green vegetables
Brazil nuts, brewer’s yeast, oatmeal, brown rice, chicken, eggs, dairy products, garlic,
molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains, most vegetables
Variety of dark orange, red, yellow and green vegetables and fruits such as broccoli,
kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, red and yellow peppers, apricots, cantaloupe
and mangoes
Food Sources
Garlic, leeks, chives, onions
Chinese cabbage, bell
pepper, garlic, French peas,
guava, celery
Green tea, black tea, wine,
coffee, apples
Clover, alfalfa sprouts
Tofu, soybeans, tempeh,
soymilk, textured
vegetable protein
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale,
turnips, collards, brussel
sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi,
rutabaga, Chinese
cabbage, bok choy,
horseradish, radish,
watercress
Flax seed
Wheat bran
Apples, onions, tea, berries,
various seeds and nuts,
some medicinal botanicals,
including Ginkgo biloba
and St. John’s Wort
Grapes, berries, peanuts,
red wine
Lana Pinshaw BscDiet (sRD)
Lana Pinshaw is a
South African
qualified dietician.
She graduated in
1998 from the
University of Pretoria
and soon left South
Africa to further her career in
London. She worked for the private
hospital group HCA for 6 years after
which she had her first child and
became a freelance dietician
working in both the NHS and private
fields, starting her own practice. For
the past 9 years, she has worked for
Chai and has gone back to work for
the HCA group.
10 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 11

Breast Cancer: Prof. Michael Baum & Mr Michael Douek
Prof. Michael Baum MB, ChB, FRCS, ChM, MD(hon), FRCR(hon)
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the
UK. About 1 in 9 women are diagnosed with breast
cancer at some point during their lifetime and it is very
rare in men. This amounts to about 45,500 women and
270 men (0.6%) diagnosed with breast cancer each
year. Of these, about 35% (16,000) are diagnosed
through the NHS Breast Screening Program and the
rest present to breast clinics across the UK, with
symptoms of breast disease. Symptoms include,
a lump or lumpiness, a change in the shape of the
breast or nipple, or a blood stained nipple discharge.
Self-examination has not been shown to be effective,
probably because women do not know what to look
for and do not perform it on a regular basis. Breast
awareness, or a basic knowledge of what can go
wrong, is important in order to ensure that women
seek help when a new symptom is first identified, and
if it does not resolve after the next menstrual cycle.
Thus a new lump or new symptoms should be brought
to the attention of an experienced clinician who can
then examine and or image the breast.
Current position: Professor Emeritus of Surgery and
visiting Prof. of Medical Humanities, University
College London.
Michael Baum qualified in medicine
at Birmingham University medical school
in 1960. He held chairs of surgery at Kings College
London 1980 - 1990, the Institute of Cancer
Research 1990 - 1995 and University College London
1995 -2001. In the past he has been President of the
British Oncology Association, the European Breast
cancer conference and chairman of the Psychosocial
committee of the National Cancer Research
Institute. He has been awarded the William
McGuire prize at San Antonio Texas, the Charles Gross prize in France, the St Gallen prize
in Switzerland and the gold medal of the International College of surgeons for his
research into the treatment of breast cancer. He established the first clinical trials centres
in the UK, was one of the first to challenge the doctrine of radical mastectomy, lead the
first trial that demonstrated the potential of tamoxifen to prolong life amongst breast
cancer victims and was also the first to describe psychometric instruments to measure
quality of life in cancer sufferers. Most recently he has lead the first trial to demonstrate
the equivalence of intra-operative single dose of radiotherapy with 6 weeks postoperative
treatment.
A number of factors have been found to be
associated with an increased risk of breast cancer
and are know as risk-factors. Many of these are not
controllable and are therefore only of academic
interest. These include, age, family history of breast
cancer, living in the Western society, obesity, alcohol
intake, lack of exercise, current use of oral
contraceptives and use of hormone replacement
therapy (HRT). After female gender, age is by far the
most important risk-factor as a 60 year old is 10 times
more likely to have breast cancer, compared to a 40
year old lady. Of these risk-factors, family history is of
particular interest to the Ashkenazi Jewish Community
as the most important cancer syndrome, the
hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, is
more prevalent in this group. Three founder genetic
mutations (two in the BRCA1 and one in the BRCA2
genes) are specifically found in the Ashkenazi
community. These genes are associated with a 35-
85% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 16-60% lifetime
risk of ovarian cancer as well as an increased risk
of other cancers including peritoneal, fallopian tube,
prostate and pancreatic. Women who carry these
genes should be managed by a specialist unit where
a geneticist can undertake a formal risk-assessment.
Women can then be considered for screening and
surgical options aimed at reducing risk. However, it is
important to note that although family history of
breast cancer is common and up to 27% of women
may have an inherited predisposition for breast
cancer, only 5% of women with breast cancer carry
one of the known abnormal genes. Thus the genetic
aspects are interesting but rare.
The modern treatment of breast cancer is delivered as
part of a multidisciplinary team including surgeons,
oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists,
specialist nurses and many more. Over the last 30
years incremental improvements in cancer treatment
and also in screening have led to an improvement in
breast cancer survival. Surgery is the most important
treatment available for breast cancer and it can now
be safely undertaken by breast conservation with
radiotherapy in over 60% of women. Increasing
emphasis is now placed on reducing morbidity and
improving the quality of life of women with
Mr Michael Douek MD, FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Gen)
breast cancer. The introduction of sentinel lymph
node biopsy (SLNB) as a part of breast cancer surgery,
has further reduced the morbidity of surgery. The
need for whole breast radiotherapy has been
questioned. Several trials are now underway to assess
partial-breast radiotherapy administered intraoperatively
or after surgery. Most recently, a trial of a
single dose of intra-operative radiotherapy (TARGIT)
has shown very promising results, paving the way
towards the delivery of breast cancer treatment at a
single sitting. This would be followed by additional oral
medication (e.g.: tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors)
for a selection of patients with lower risk tumours and
chemotherapy for higher risk patients.
Today 8 out of 10 women survive breast cancer and
survivorship, focuses on improving the care and
support to patients in the longer term. Organisations
such as Chai provide the essential backup patients
need in order to return to a normal and active life.
With an increasing population of survivors, the focus
should be shifted to enable patients and their family
to return to a normal status quo and quality of life, as
quickly as possible.
Current position: Reader in Surgery & Consultant
Surgeon, Breast Unit, Guy’s Hospital
Michael Douek is a Reader in Surgery (King’s College
London) and Consultant Surgeon at Guy’s & St
Thomas’ NHS Trust. His main interest is in breast
cancer surgery specifically, improving breast
conserving surgery using techniques such as breast
MRI, intra-operative radiotherapy and sentinel node
biopsy.
His translational research program evaluates novel
imaging modalities to improve breast conserving
surgery for cancer including clinical applications of
nanotechnology for sentinel node biopsy. He is the chief investigator of the SentiMag trial
of sentinel node biopsy and principal investigator for the international randomised
controlled trial of intra-operative radiotherapy (TARGIT trial), at Guys Hospital. He is a
regular speaker at national and international conferences, published several papers on
breast cancer and made contributions in the health media.
Michael graduated from the University of Dundee (Scotland) and trained in surgery in
London, Oxford and Cambridge. He obtained his MD from the University of London in
2000. In 2003, he was awarded a prestigious Health Foundation Clinician Scientist grant
by the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, fully funding his joint Senior Lecturer and
Consultant post in breast and general surgery at University College London. He was a
Consultant Surgeon & Senior Lecturer at University College Hospital (UCH) for over 5 years.
12 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 13

Spa Day 2010
The Chai Well Being Spa Day was held in the
spectacular home of Cheryl and Stuart Lewis on
a beautiful spring day.
The event was Karen Goodkind’s “brainchild” and
she was the driving force and inspiration ensuring
the day’s success.
The capacity was stretched to accommodate the
90 ladies who attended. They enjoyed spa and
beauty treatments as well as some of the holistic
treatments that Chai offers such as shiatsu,
reflexology, aromatherapy and reiki which can help
people deal with the side effects of cancer treatment.
Feeling refreshed and relaxed, the ladies then sat
down to a delicious lunch and a talk by celebrity
trainer Matt Roberts. Matt spoke about the
importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy
and balanced lifestyle.
The event was the first of its kind as many well known
companies generously donated their skills, products
and services to the day. The companies who
participated included; Aben Wines Limited, Balance
Me, Bharti Vyas, Carole Sobell, Chiko Photography,
Guinot, HOB Salons, Jason Milan, Kristal Florist, Liquid
Chefs, Live Events, Marks & Spencer, Matt Roberts,
Matt Roberts Gym, Michael Rose Banqueting, Minton
Water, Perfect Nails and Tony Page.
Karen Goodkind was absolutely thrilled with the
success of the day and praised “the amazing
services” that Chai provides, saying that she was
“delighted
to be able to help this wonderful and much needed
organisation.”
Photography by Chiko and Vicky Brown
Louise Hager, Karen Goodkind & Cheryl Lewis
Karen Goodkind & Matt Roberts
Pamela Kalms & Daniela Pears
Juliette Owide, Stephanie Harris, Linda Plant, Karen Goodkind, Lisa Tchenguiz, Lydia Attia, Renee Feinstein & Wendy Press
Renee Feinstein, Naomi Press, Zea Lewis, Cheryl Lewis
Sharon Green, Ruth Bray, Karen Haftel
Morven Heller & Louise Hager
Karen Lipinski, Lesley Burkeman, Charlene Unterhalter
Tiffany and Anita Zablodowicz, Dayle Kantor
& Vanessa Jossel
Yvonne Delane, Samantha Stone, Karen Harris

Growth of our Services: Elaine Kerr, Chief Executive
organisations providing support for cancer patients,
such as Breast Cancer Haven, visit Chai to learn how
we do what we do, so successfully.
Use of our home support service for clients, who are
either unable to come to a Chai site or prefer to benefit
from our services in their own homes, has also
dramatically increased and we now make thousands of
home visits to our clients each year.
Home Visits:
Chai’s Garden Room
In her Chairman’s message, Louise refers to this year
being significant for Chai. Well I shall bold and underline
that statement. In terms of our development and
preparing for the future, this year provided the
opportunities and we seized them. Below I note some
major strategic plans that have come to fruition during
the last year.
The Need
This pie-chart demonstrates the growth in the number of
new clients turning to Chai for support. Over the last two
years this 50% growth each year has been sustained and
we have successfully responded, thereby maintaining
both the fast access and high quality of our services.
New Clients:
Chai sees an average of 80 new clients each month. We
currently support 1300 clients, of whom around half are
cancer patients and half are family members or friends.
Chai was recently judged, with two other organisations,
to be providing the highest quality psychological support
services for Level 3 patients by the commissioners of the
North London Cancer Network. Other voluntary
Our clients can use all of our services, with the exception
of groups, in their own homes, hospitals and hospices.
The Services and Access to them
Chai currently provides therapies, complementary
therapies, counselling for individuals, couples and
families, advice and advocacy, support groups and
volunteer services. Each client is offered all the services
which will be of benefit to them, and this package of
care will change over time. Clients may use Chai’s
services for as long as they need to, which can
sometimes be for years.
Most clients self refer by calling our free helpline, some
walk into our Hendon Centre or other sites, and many
are recommended or referred by health and social care
professionals or other voluntary and statutory agencies.
We see distressed clients for their first appointment within
24 hours and all new clients are seen within 2-3 days.
We do not have a waiting list for services, which can
be provided immediately after the initial appointment.
New clients turn to Chai at any time from pre-diagnosis
to late stage illness.
Our Hendon Centre provides the greatest number and
range of services for a population of around 170,000
people surrounding NW and N London and Hertfordshire.
Since the opening of the new Wohl Wing adjoining the
Centre, we have been able to increase the number of
counselling sessions held in Hendon by 40 per week, and
increase individual therapy sessions by the same amount.
Physical exercise groups and our physiotherapy clients
are thoroughly enjoying our new gym, and many clients
visiting the Centre are now spending time in the beautiful
garden room taking part in a range of activities or just
enjoying some quiet time.
We provide services for the rest of London and Essex
from our bases in South London, Redbridge, Southend
and Hackney. The Southend and Hackney services were
opened during 2010 and all services have seen client
numbers steadily rising during the year.
The immediate success of the North Manchester service
which opened in May 2009 led to the development
of a service in South Manchester that opened this
summer. The advantage of having two bases in
Manchester has resulted in Chai being able to provide
services to a wider geographical area, and nearer to
clients’ homes. We currently support clients in Liverpool,
Leeds and Newcastle who are being served from our
Manchester bases.
We opened our Glasgow service earlier in the year and
will be seeking a base on the south coast during the next
year in order to provide truly national coverage.
Each Chai location has the expert core services that are
relevant to any cancer patient and family members. As
each new service establishes itself we learn in detail what
specific services are required to support each individual
community. We ensure that we work in partnership with
local voluntary and statutory services so that we do not
replicate local provision, but fill gaps and enhance
local care and support with our expert and specialist
knowledge. The development of services in each
location is therefore completely responsive to the
community it serves.
Consolidation and Further Expansion
After two hectic years of geographical expansion Chai
will continue to consolidate our 8 sites ensuring that we
maintain our high quality professional services whilst
responding sensitively to individual community needs.
We have plans to establish a presence on the south coast
so that we can reach the Jewish communities there.
At the same time we shall be focusing on furthering our
not inconsiderable support to those overseas who rely on
Chai for telephone advice and/or counselling.
Our partnership work continues to flourish and we are
committed to finding joint projects and sharing expertise
with a growing number of Jewish voluntary agencies – all
of which result in benefits for our, often, joint clients. This
year it has been a pleasure to develop robust and
mutually beneficial working relationships with Jewish
Care Scotland, Jewish Blind Society Scotland, Norwood
and Bikkur Cholim d’Satmar. Of course we continue to
work with Nightingale, the Federation of Jewish Services
in Manchester and Jewish Care in Redbridge and
Southend.
It has been a real privilege to work with like minded
colleagues to the benefit of our community.
Finally, we shall be launching a national first with a new
service at the Hendon Centre in October this year. This
innovative partnership will be of enormous benefit to our
clients and will provide a model which meets the
Government’s strategy for the future of cancer care
in the UK.
16
16 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 17

Group Activities
One Family’s Story
Chai is experienced in establishing and running groups
which meet the needs of our clients, and complement
and enhance the one-to-one counselling and
therapies we provide. As we are responsive to client
suggestions new groups are often formed. All clients
are welcome to attend a group – even if they just want
to try it once or know that they cannot attend regularly.
Art Workshop
In the weekly group our clients are astonished at their
own achievements, even if they have never attempted
to paint or draw before. With guidance from
professional artist Linda Sharpe and her volunteers,
clients learn and release new talents, enjoy tea and
cake, and often make new friends.
For the last 3 years Chai’s Rosh Hashanah card has
been designed by a group member, and last year
a vibrant calendar was produced using their paintings
– with their kind permission of course. They are already
planning next year’s calendar!
Bereavement Group*
This group is run by professional counsellors for our
clients who have sadly lost their partner. Within the
group our clients are safe to express their feelings
in a supportive and empathetic place.
Breast Buddies*
Breast Buddies, facilitated by our professional
counsellors, is specifically for women with breast
cancer. It meets on the first Thursday of each month
and group members have an opportunity to get
and give support, as well as gather information in
a safe environment.
Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a combination of self-triggered
laughter and yoga exercises which increases the
amount of oxygen in your body. The resulting feelings
of health and energy change the physiology of the
body – so you start to feel happier. You don’t even
need a sense of humour, just a willingness to laugh!
Laughter Yoga is....
that you start to feel happier.
Meditation
Our highly-experienced facilitator uses visualisation to
promote positive feelings through deep relaxation.
Many clients who have practised visualisation in the
session frequently use it in their daily lives, and find it a
very helpful aid to reducing stress and relieving anxiety.
Pilates
Pilates is a form of exercise which uses small, controlled
movements with an emphasis on core stability to
strengthen and tone the body. It is able to help reeducate
the body, promoting flexibility, postural
alignments and musculo-skeletal balance. Pilates assists
in relieving stress and tension while providing physical
fitness and a sense of wellbeing. Chai has pilates
classes on Mondays and Thursdays, with classes for
beginners and advanced beginners.
Post Breast Surgery Exercise Group*
Regular arm exercises performed soon after breast
surgery will regain and maintain joint flexibility and
muscle strength, and decrease scarring. Neck and
shoulder discomfort due to muscle tensing to protect
the wound can be alleviated with regular, planned
exercise. Exercises are important during, as well as
after, radiotherapy which can cause tightening of
the shoulder.
This group is led by one of our Chartered
Physiotherapists who provides group and individual
guidance and advice. The group is suitable at any
time after discharge from the hospital.
Wednesday Afternoons
On alternate Wednesday afternoons, our clients and
our enthusiastic team of volunteers, enjoy a range of
activities from cards to games to quizzes. Some clients
come regularly just to enjoy the company, conversation
and refreshments. Four times a year our Wednesday
afternoons welcome professional entertainers.
Yoga
Our expert yoga teacher has been practising for
over 20 years. Her class is suitable for all levels –
with individual attention given, and can help to
reduce stress and assist the body to improve its health
and wellbeing.
Sandra
“It was around Pesach a year ago that I first noticed the lump in my breast. Although I
went for tests straight away, it wasn’t until the summer that it was decided that the
lump should be removed. By this time I had Grade 3 breast cancer. This was a terribly
confusing time for me, and for my husband Ian. I felt a huge pressure to be ‘brave’, to
carry on as normal and most importantly to ensure my children did not notice any
changes in my role as their mummy.
My family and friends were marvellous, but Ian sensed that I needed specialised,
expert support. He made the call to Chai. Since being in touch with Chai last
September, I have been receiving counselling, massage and reflexology at the
centre in Hendon and also in my own home. Chai has been my haven, allowing me
to show the side that I can’t show at home, and giving me the support and strength to continue my battle.
Ian & Ruthie
“It hasn’t been an easy year for us. Shortly after Pesach
last year my mother passed away, and then Sandra
was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Our children have always been Sandra’s main concern.
They are very sensitive to their surroundings – and can
always tell when their mum needs a cuddle! They seem
to be coping well, however Sandra’s cancer and the
side effects of her treatment meant she hasn’t always
been able to be there for them. Chai helped us think
through how and what we told the children. My
mother-in-law Ruthie has been so supportive and is
amazing with Sandra and the kids. She finds it really
hard to watch Sandra suffering, so she has also been going to Chai for regular counselling. And, I know Chai’s door
is always open for me too. Chai’s services have made the world of difference to Sandra, and I am truly grateful
that she has a space where she can focus on herself, without having to worry about the rest of us.”
“My family and
friends were
marvellous, but
Ian sensed that
I needed specialised,
expert support.
He made the call
to Chai.”
*All groups are available to anyone affected by cancer,
18 20 years of cancer support in the community
be it patient or family, except where specifically indicated.
20 years of cancer support in the community 19

Colorectal Cancer: Mr Daren Francis
How common is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK.
Each year 35,000 people in Britain are diagnosed with
cancer of the colon or rectum.
Unlike certain other cancers bowel cancer can often be
cured. The mainstay of treatment is surgery however
chemotherapy and radiotherapy are playing an ever
more important role. New treatments are being
introduced all of the time making survival even
more likely.
One thing we know for certain is that the earlier bowel
cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance of cure.
How does it all start?
The colon and rectum is lined with millions of cells which
over a person’s lifetime shed and are then replaced. The
replacement of these cells is very strictly controlled and
regulated by genes. If this process is faulty in any way
then the growth of these cells becomes abnormal and
leads to the formation of a polyp. This polyp is the first
step towards cancer.
Polyps
Once the polyp has been formed it starts to grow. From
a tiny bump on the lining of the bowel it increases in size.
This can occur over many years and some polyps remain
benign throughout life. However approximately one in
ten polyps will turn into a cancer. As a rule of thumb the
larger the polyp the more likely that it will be cancerous.
We are less concerned about polyps less than 1cm in size.
We know that the majority of all the cancers of the colon
and rectum start as benign polyps and if removed early
enough prevent cancer developing.
Polyp to Cancer – the process
In some polyps the growth pattern becomes so
disordered and fast that the cells become
unrecognisable as polyp cells and become cancer
cells. This is the first part of the change from a benign
polyp to a malignant or cancerous polyp. As the cancer
advances it starts to grow into the wall of the bowel and
can invade the blood stream, lymphatics and nearby
structures. When this occurs it is referred to as an invasive
cancer. Once this has happened, the cancer can
potentially “metastasise”. This means it can spread to
organs far away like the liver and lungs to form
secondaries or metastases. The cancer does this via the
blood stream or the lymphatics.
The importance of early diagnosis and screening
Put simply the earlier the cancer is detected the better
the chance of cure. As the cancer gets larger it invades
more deeply and the chances of it spreading increase.
Not all people have symptoms of bowel cancer which is
why the Government has introduced the national bowel
cancer screening programme. Screening gives the
opportunity of picking up polyps or cancers when they
are still curable. This programme is offered to all people
aged between 60 and 75. It involves a simple stool test
which is carried out in the privacy of ones own home.
The symptoms of bowel cancer
The process of the polyp turning into a cancer can take
between 5 and 10 years. Early on in this process there are
very little in the way of symptoms. The symptoms which
develop later such as bleeding, change in bowel habit,
episodes of diarrhoea and constipation are also
common to other bowel disorders such as piles and
irritable bowel syndrome making the diagnosis in some
circumstances quite difficult. When a bowel cancer gets
bigger it can sometimes lead to severe abdominal pain
and even block the bowel which requires emergency
treatment. In some cases bleeding from the bowel can
go unnoticed and after a period of time the patient will
become anaemic.
How is the diagnosis made?
Sometimes the doctor will be able to make the diagnosis
by examining the abdomen or performing a rectal
examination. If there is any doubt tests are needed. The
most commonly used tests are:
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – following an enema to clear
the bottom part of the bowel a telescope is inserted to
directly inspect the lower half of the bowel.
Colonoscopy – this test requires the bowel to be cleaned
the day before the test using powerful laxatives. Again it
is a telescope but on this occasion the entire large bowel
is examined to check for polyps and cancers. This test is
normally carried out with sedation as it can be a little
uncomfortable.
CT pneumocolon scan – this is an X- ray test and again
requires the bowel to be cleared with powerful laxatives
the day before the examination. A tube is not passed
through the bowel but air is inflated to allow the bowel to
be examined. It is good at detecting problems but
unable to treat any polyps.
The advantage of the flexible sigmoidoscopy and
colonoscopy is that if there is a polyp or a growth in the
bowel it can either be completely removed at the same
time or a biopsy taken.
The best test for each individual patient is selected
by the specialist as not all the tests are appropriate
for everyone.
What happens after the diagnosis is made?
Once the diagnosis of bowel cancer is confirmed the
decision making process regarding your care is made by
a team of specialists known as a multidisciplinary team
(MDT). Further tests are organised including blood tests
and special scans. This enables a full assessment of the
primary bowel cancer and in addition the extent of
spread. This allows for the planning of the most
appropriate treatment.
Treatment does depend a lot on the location of the
cancer as there is a difference in the initial treatment
of colonic and rectal cancers.
Rectal cancers
The planning of the treatment of rectal cancer is slightly
different from colonic cancer as radiotherapy aimed at
the cancer can shrink the tumour before surgery and
improve cure rates. Following radiotherapy, surgery can
then remove all of the tissue surrounding the cancer and
leave none behind. This is known as a total mesorectal
excision or TME. After the tumour is removed it is cut up
and looked at under the microscope to decide if any
further treatment like chemotherapy is needed. This is
dependant on how far into the bowel wall the tumour has
invaded and if it has affected any of the lymph glands
which have been removed at operation
Colonic cancers
After the tumour has been assessed most colonic
cancers are treated by surgery in the first instance.
The surgery allows removal of the tumour and the lymph
glands surrounding it. The specimen which has been
removed is then looked at under the microscope and
again the level of invasion through the bowel wall is
assessed along with the number of lymph glands that
are affected. This allows the planning of any post
operative chemotherapy. With early cancers sometimes
surgical removal alone is all that is necessary.
Consequences of surgery
With most cancers of the colon, after removal of the
affected section the ends of the bowel can be joined
together again. However with some cancers of the
rectum (which are very close to the anal canal) it is not
possible to leave enough rectum so as to allow the bowel
to be rejoined. In these cases a colostomy is formed.
This is an opening of the bowel onto the abdominal
wall to allow the passage of stool after the rectum has
been removed.
What happens after recovering from surgery?
The key to planning the treatment after surgery is the
final histology of the specimen which has been removed.
This is looked at under the microscope and the need for
any chemotherapy decided by the MDT on a number of
factors specific to the individual case. The role of
chemotherapy is to improve the chances of cure. The
specialist team continues to follow up patients with
regular blood tests and scans.
Advanced bowel cancer
In some cases the cancer has spread to other organs and
cure is not possible. In these cases sometimes surgery is
not appropriate. On these occasions chemotherapy and
radiotherapy play a major role in the treatment. These
modalities can be very effective in controlling symptoms
and prolonging life but careful consideration has to be
taken to select a treatment which balances the side
affects and the benefits gained.
Implications for the family
When people are diagnosed with bowel cancer at a
young age (40 – 50 years) or when bowel cancer is very
common within a family it could be because there is an
inherited genetic abnormality. The risk of other members
developing bowel cancer is assessed and they can be
advised to undergo regular colonoscopies starting at
a young age.
The future and research
The treatment for colorectal cancer continues to improve
all of the time. Screening has meant earlier detection
and endoscopic removal. Laparoscopic or keyhole
surgery is allowing much smaller incisions and quicker
recovery following surgery. Larger tumours are being
shrunk with specific chemotherapy and radiotherapy
to allow surgical removal. Liver and lung surgery is now
possible for selected patients who have developed
metastases with a view to cure. People with inoperable
cancer are living with the disease as less toxic and more
effective chemotherapies are developed. We continue
to make people aware to watch for potential signs
through various methods to make it easier to identify
cancer at an early stage.
Mr Daren Francis MBBS, MD, FRCS
Daren Francis is a consultant surgeon at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals
NHS Trust where he provides a Colorectal, Laparoscopic and General
surgical service. He also works privately from Spire Hospital Bushey, The
Garden Hospital and The Kings Oak and Cavell Hospital. For more
information please visit Daren’s website: www.darenfrancis.co.uk
20 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 21

Opening of the Wohl Wing
There was an a air of celebration at the dedication
capacity filled room when he said that he could not
ceremony of the Wohl Wing at Chai’s flagship centre in
remember a time when Chai did not exist. He praised
Hendon. With drinks in hand, guests took guided tours
Chai, and shared that at council meetings Chai was often
of the new Wing and had the opportunity to admire
held up as an example of how an organisation can grow
the much needed four additional counselling rooms,
and serve the needs of its community.
garden room and physiotherapy suite.
As part of the dedication ceremony supporters were
Martin Paisner CBE
Gerald & Benita Fogel, Lord Young
In her welcome, Louise Hager highlighted that the
invited to fix the mezuzot on all 21 doors.
positive and uplifting atmosphere of the centre had
been embodied in the Wing. This reflected Chai’s ethos
of supporting people to enable them to live with their
cancer. Maureen Lipman CBE paid a moving tribute to
her dearest friend and fellow Honorary Patron Lady
Jakobovitz z’l.
Chairman of the trustees of the Wohl Foundation, and
nephew of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl, Professor
David Latchman CBE spoke of how delighted he and
his co- trustees were to continue the support for Chai
that had existed since its inception. Councillor Anthony
Finn, Mayor of Barnet summed up the feeling in the
Maureen Lipman CBE, Louise Hager
John Julius, Betty Trompeter, Alex Faiman, Susan Mattes
Gillian & Irving Carter, Freddy & Louise Hager
& Lady Pamela Kalms MBE
Kate Goldberg, Ella Latchman, Prof. David Latchman CBE,
Martin Paisner CBE & Daniel Dover
Davidson Family
Suzanne & Michael Marks
Daniel Leon, Sula Leon, Danielle Leon, Anthony Leon
Elaine Kerr & Lady Pamela Kalms MBE
Natalie, Clive & Roberta Gold
Erna Angus, Dennis Jacobs, Betty Trompeter, Elaine Kerr
Maurice Berman, Rochelle Wolfson, Frances Berman,
Leo Wolfson, Max Wolfson
Photos by Jeremy Coleman

Q&A with Sir Ralph Kohn FRS and Lady Zahava Kohn
Q: Tell us about your early lives and how you both met?
A: Zahava: “I was born in Palestine after my parents had
moved there from Holland in 1935. When I was one and
a half, my parents decided to leave Palestine as my
mother was seriously unwell due to severe dehydration.
My parents settled in Amsterdam as they were unable to
immigrate to Switzerland, where my maternal
grandparents lived.”
“During the war my parents and I spent time in the
concentration camps of Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen.
The fact that I was born in Palestine was later an
important factor that helped my family to be saved from
transportation to Auschwitz.”
“After the war my family and I moved back to
Amsterdam, but the city bore little resemblance to the
one that existed pre-war. With the help of some friends I
chose to move to London and started working for Dr
Schonfeld, a young Rabbi. I worked in the nursery
schools of Hasmonean and Menorah Primary School and
was taken in and made to feel very welcome by the
Orthodox community in Golders Green.”
A: Ralph: “I was born in Leipzig, Germany and shortly
after Hitler came to power in 1933 my family left for
Amsterdam, Holland. I attended elementary school
from 1935 to 1940 when my family fled as refugees on
the day the Nazis occupied Amsterdam on 14th May
1940. After a seven-day sea journey my family was
allowed to land in Liverpool. We had left all our
belongings behind in Holland and arrived in England as
penniless refugees. My family chose to settle in Salford,
Manchester as my father had friends in the textile
industry there.”
A: Zahava: “I went to visit my parents on a short break to
Holland in August 1962, when my father asked me to
meet a young man, the son of some mutual
acquaintances. I agreed and met Ralph Kohn with his
parents in Scheveningen who were also on holiday as
Ralph, like me, was living in London at the time. When we
were both back in London we continued to see each
other and in December 1962 were engaged. We were
married on 12th March 1963 at the Jacob Obrecht
Synagogue in Amsterdam. We now have three beautiful
daughters; Hephzi, Michelle and Maxine and are proud
grandparents.”
Q: How and why did Ralph get into the pharmaceutical
industry?
A: Ralph: “My career started when I obtained a
scholarship to university but was unable to gain a place
to study medicine in 1947 due to returning ex-servicemen
being allocated 90% of the available places. Although I
wanted to study medicine, these restrictions resulted in
my having to choose another course. I studied
pharmacology at Manchester University and obtained a
PhD in 1954 and went on to win the Wild prize in
Pharmacology. I found myself studying and working in
an era of innovation, with revolutionary drug discoveries
such as penicillin, streptomycin, anti-hypertensive drugs
and cortisone paving the way for new and effective
treatments, which fascinated me.”
“My work then took me to Rome and New York during
the years of 1954 to 1958 as I pursued research
experience. With various scholarships and fellowships I
worked at renowned institutes in Europe and the US.
Whilst in Rome I worked alongside the two Nobel Prize
winners, Professor Daniel Bovet and Sir Ernst Chain FRS
(who shared the Nobel Prize for Penicillin with Fleming
and Florey). Bovet actually won the prize whilst I was
working with him. In New York I studied at the Albert
Einstein College of Medicine, which resulted in my being
appointed Head of Pharmacology for an American
company. I subsequently became Managing Director of
a Swiss biological company, after which I set up my own
company.”
“After 12 years in the pharmaceutical industry I believed
that there was a real need for an independent research
company that had no bias or vested interest in the
outcome of trials. In 1970 I set up my own organisation,
the first independent medical research company in the
UK mainly dealing with the clinical assessment of new
drugs. This company became widely known for its work
and within 20 years it had won the prestigious Queen’s
award for Expert Achievement. Over the years my
company has worked with many organisations
worldwide and it has gained a reputation for scrupulous
fairness, innovation and impartiality between the
medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry. I
believe that the British regulatory process has played a
huge positive role in the development of new drugs.”
“The development of the company could not have
been achieved, or indeed been so successful, without
Zahava’s continual support and encouragement and
particularly considering the time she spent working for
the company whilst simultaneously bringing up a young
family.“
A: Zahava: “This year we were delighted when Ralph
received a KBE (Knights Bachelor). This citation is most
unusual as it is for services to science, music and charity –
all the things he loves doing. Previously he was the
recipient of numerous awards and honours including
election to the prestigious fellowship of the Royal Society
(FRS).”
Q: How and why was the Kohn Foundation set up?
A: Zahava: “In 1991, we were in a fortunate position to
have a successful company and found we wanted to
give something back to society for the success that we
had achieved. The first step we took in order to do this
was to set up the Kohn Foundation. The Kohn Foundation
makes contributions to support research and innovation
Sir Ralph and Lady Zahava Kohn
in science and medicine, as well as arts and education -
interests closest to our hearts. Support of Jewish
community and Israeli causes is of great importance to
us. Our strong personal interests and commitment keep
us at the forefront of the Foundation, choosing where to
make contributions, and being actively involved in the
projects that we support.”
Q: How did Ralph start singing?
A: Ralph: “Whilst in Holland, I studied the violin for 4 years
until my family had to leave. A love of music ran in my
family as my father was very musical and loved opera.
He was also a very fine Baal Tefila. The years from 1954
onwards renewed my passion for music and I began to
study vocal music in Rome. I have carried on with this
throughout my life and became sufficiently proficient to
appear as vocal recitalist in many venues, e.g. Wigmore
Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and St. John’s
Smith Square, as well as giving recitals in Israel.”
A: Zahava: “Ralph has recorded a great deal, mainly
from the Lieder repertoire and particularly with the worldrenowned
pianist Graham Johnson. Ralph has also
recorded with the English Chamber Orchestra and has
made16 CDs so far, which are all marketed. Next month
(August) he is due to make a further Beethoven/
Schubert recording. His contributions to music in more
24 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 25

general terms have been recognised in his being
elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and
Doctor of Music.”
Q: You have both lived such interesting lives; with all
your experiences, what message would you pass on to
younger generations?
A Charity that’s my Cup of Chai: Tracy Ann Oberman
Q: There are many Jewish Charities, why have you
chosen to support Chai for 20 years?
A: Ralph: “Having spent so many years in the
pharmaceutical industry and tested a lot of anti-tumour
drugs, I feel that though significant progress is being
made cancer is still a dreaded disease. Both of us
recognise that whilst physicians and surgeons provide
the orthodox treatment, cancer patients are individuals
who should also be supported holistically, thus fully taking
account of psychological and spiritual needs.”
Q: What are your hopes for Chai over the next 20 years?
A: Ralph: “Over the next 20 years, our first wish would be
that there is no need for Chai. At present, however, we
see Chai as a vital part of our community and hope that
Chai will continue to grow and support more people with
increasing services.”
Can Vicky celebrate
your simcha too?
Are you planning a special anniversary celebration?
Or are you approaching a significant birthday?
If you are arranging a simcha of any kind, you can
help Vicky and others to cope with the effects of
cancer, by asking your guests to donate to Chai.
Add a worthwhile and meaningful touch to your
celebration with the gift of care and support.
To find out more about making your
occasiona Chai occasion, please
contact Chai on 020 8202 2211.
Chai Cancer Care
144-146 Great North Way
London NW4 1EH
Tel: 020 8202 2211
info@chaicancercare.org
Registered Charity No.1078956 Identities have been changed to protect confidentiality.
A: Zahava and Ralph: “We would pass on to future
generations the importance of maintaining a positive
attitude in life; everyone faces challenges and hardships
but one must try and find a sense of purpose. Enthusiasm
to create a better world has driven certain choices we
have made in our lives and we have seen the impact
that this has had. Perseverance has made us stronger
and we would encourage people to always push
forward and find the positive in any situation rather than
dwell on the negative.”
Interviewer’s notes: In 2009, Zahava’s biography
‘Fragments of a Lost Childhood’ was published. Her story
is a remarkable one as she recalls her journey from
Palestine to Amsterdam and her time in the
concentrations camps of Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen.
In this book you can clearly see this message of
perseverance and a drive for a better world as
demonstrated by her and her family. From the very early
days of Chai, Ralph and Zahava have provided much
needed funds to enable Chai to provide the support
and care that they wish to see in the community.
I have always been a bit of a hypochondriac. It’s not
just a cold it’s ‘FLU; I haven’t just put on a few pounds in
weight, it’s a THYROID problem; its not just a headache,
it’s a pulsating, hideous MIGRANE; no worse than that,
it’s a BRAIN TUMOUR.
Since having my daughter, I am worse than ever. I lie in
bed at night in a cold sweat, panicking about what the
first signs of CANCER of the leg/mouth/breast might be.
Just writing the word cancer makes me nervous. It is
one of those words like Auschwitz and Nazi that is
visceral.
It’s one of those words that brings on paralysis, dry
mouth, makes the head pound whilst simultaneously
provoking a strong desire to run away.
This may sound a tad trite, like I’m trying to eke out
some comedy, but I, like so many of you, have been
touched by cancer, lost young and old, friends and
family alike, and I know that it’s no laughing matter.
I try not to think about it too much. But last week I was
invited to an evening at Chai Cancer Care in Hendon
to hear about how cancer has touched so many
people and how Chai has helped them.
Louise Hager spoke very movingly about how her
mother co-founded Chai “When my mother was
diagnosed with cancer, my father told us (typical
Tracy Ann Oberman
of the time) that we must keep it a secret within the
family.” Chai never wants anyone to feel alone.
The evening made me realise that firstly, cancer is
indiscriminate. Secondly, no one likes to be a victim
and Chai sees that often people who have the illness
are the “strong ones” who cannot accept that they
may now need help. No one wants the pity and the
sighs. Thirdly, and it is something I have seen with my
own eyes, that cancer sufferers are bombarded with
the responsibility to be “positive and cheerful” in the
face of a horrifying time. Chai beautifully tackles all of
this head on. It’s a bright cheerful place.
As one incredible, funny and intelligent woman, Bella,
put it: “I was the capable one, I told people how to sort
their lives out and here I was in need of help. I didn’t
want it. Chai was the last place I thought I’d go. But I
turned up one day and sobbed for an hour with a
counsellor. Then I had a cup of tea.”
Chai will never let anyone be alone. They are the friend
that will take you to and from the treatments, they will
be the shoulder to cry on, they will offer the quiet
space to just “be” or a place to have a massage or if
you are too sick to travel will bring it to your home. And
I think that is incredible.
If you or anyone you know has been touched by
cancer, please call Chai. They are an incredible
resource for our community.
Tracy Ann Oberman is a television, theatre and radio actress. Her many TV
credits include her instantaneously recognised role as Chrissie Watts in the BBC
soap opera Eastenders. When she murdered her on screen husband, the episode
was watched by 17 million viewers. She originated and co-authoured the
critically acclaimed play Three Sisters on Hope Street. In 2010 she wrote the wellreceived
radio play “Bette and Joan and Baby Jane” which was Pick of the
Week on BBC Radio 4. She was a regular columnist for the Guardian newspaper.
Tracy Ann trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, and
spent four years in the Royal Shakesphere Company, before going on to play at the National Theatre. Her
extensive theatrical background includes turns opposite Kenneth Branagh in Edmond (2003) and a run in
the West End revival of Boeing-Boeing (2007-2008). Tracy Ann can be seen in The Great Ghost Rescue
opposite Kevin McKidd and Stephen McKintosh, a feature film that will be released next year.
26 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 27

Cancer Genetics – The Jewish Perspective: Dr Ian Ellis
The Genetic Predisposition to Cancer
One in three of us will develop a cancer at some time.
Hopefully later in life and now often curable, but it is
always a shock when the diagnosis is made. After initial
questions about treatment options and prognosis,
people may go on to ask, ‘Why me? Why now? How did
this happen?’ Answers are starting to come from studies
of the genes that control cell growth and those genes
that repair errors in other genes. This is particularly for
breast, ovarian and bowel cancers that occur at a
younger age and that cluster in some families. Some
families particularly those of eastern European Ashkenazi
origin are at greater risk of inheriting an alteration in one
of these cancer predisposition genes.
Important as genes are, they are not the whole story.
Environmental factors - what we eat, our lifestyle and
what we are exposed to, for example smoking can also
cause cancers. It is the interplay between a genetic
predisposition and these environmental triggers, nature
and nurture that determines who may develop cancer,
where in the body this might be and at what age. We all
have a risk of cancer, but some of us are at greater risk
than others.
Figure 1 – The Structure of Genes Formed from DNA and
Packaged into Chromosomes
Genes and Mutations
It is the sequence of the four genetic bases (Adenine,
Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine) in the long double-stranded
DNA molecule that determines what function that gene
has. Genes fall into three groups:
i. structural genes coding for a body protein such as
muscle
ii. regulatory genes (oncogenes or tumour suppressor
genes) that control the cell or other genes in that cell
iii. repair genes that correct mistakes in the DNA of cells
Our complete set of 30,000 genes is carried on the 23
pairs of chromosomes inside the nucleus of every cell. We
inherit two copies of each gene, one in each pair from
our parents in the egg and sperm cell that made us.
Mistakes in the copying of our DNA are called mutations.
They occur spontaneously and accumulate in our DNA
as we age. Mutations can also be inherited and passed
down through families. The random spelling change of A
to C or G to T, or the loss of a run of letters C-G-A-T-T-C-T-
G-A from a gene will lead to a change in the message or
inactivate the function of that gene (see Figure 1).
Regulatory and Repair Genes
Apart from the structural genes that code for the proteins
in the body; other genes have important roles as
regulatory genes, controlling cells directly and by
switching other genes on and off, like a co-ordinated
orchestra. Genes also direct the differentiation of cells
into the different organs and specialised tissues of the
body. For example, primitive bone marrow cells will
become the mature red blood cells and white blood
cells that we need. As we reach adult life these
regulatory genes shut down cell division unless
replacement cells are needed.
Errors can creep into the DNA sequence over time and a
set of repair genes are essential to maintain our library of
genes in good working order. These DNA repair genes
(sometimes referred to as ‘caretaker genes’) can
recognise mismatches between the two strands of our
DNA. Normally they should correct the sequence by
replacing the appropriate A, G, C or T genetic base, but
the repair genes themselves can mutate. If our regulatory
or the repair genes become mutated, cells become
increasingly uncoordinated until an invasive cancer
develops (see Figure 2). This explains why cancers tend to
occur at an older age. There are now DNA based
genetic tests that can identify these stepwise changes in
specific genes (such as p53 and K-ras) as cells Figure 2 –
Gene Mutations that Progress in the Development of a
Cancer
change from normal through a hyperplastic (overgrowth)
cells and then into an invasive cancer.
Cancer Predisposition Genes and their Mutations
Family members who have inherited a cancer gene
mutation are already a step further along the pathway
that leads to cancer. They have a higher risk of
developing specific cancers at a younger than expected
age. Tumour suppressor genes control cell division, acting
like the brakes on cell growth. Mutations in tumour
suppressor genes can occur spontaneously during your
lifetime (acquired), or they may have been passed on
(inherited), from one parent. Tumour suppressor genes
come in pairs, one inherited from each parent in the egg
and sperm cell that made you. If there is a change or a
mutation in one copy of the tumour suppressor gene, this
alone does not cause a problem as there is a second
normal copy that acts like a back-up copy. The risk of
cancer only occurs where there is a second mutation
that inactivates the second of the pair of tumour
suppressor genes. This is known as Knudson’s two-hit
cancer hypothesis. A cancer will develop when the
second copy has been affected. There is a higher risk
of this occurring and at a younger age, if you have
inherited the first mutation in one of the pair of tumour
suppressor genes. It is really just a matter of time before
a spontaneous mutation (second-hit) occurs in the
second copy of that gene pair. When both copies
of the pair of genes have mutated or become
inactivated, that tumour suppressor gene or DNA repair
gene can no longer function and a cascading process
of abnormal genetic changes occurs, (see Figure 3).
Your Family History
Some families may have more than the expected
number of relatives with cancer. There may have been
a clustering of the same types of cancer occurring
at a younger than usual age, or one person may have
unfortunately developed several primary cancers.
These are pointers that there could be an increased
genetic risk in that family. About 5-10% of breast,
ovarian, bowel and less so for prostate, uterus (womb),
pancreas, bladder and kidney cancer may have an
inherited tendency.
A number of inherited genes including BRCA1, BRCA2,
the DNA Mismatch Repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6,
PMS2), and APC, p53, p16, PTEN are already known to
predispose families to a higher cancer risk. There is ongoing
research into finding familial prostate and
pancreatic cancer genes. Some genes will be
commoner than others, with variable effects on the risks
of developing cancer. Lung, cervical and skin cancers
have other risk factors (such as smoking, UV light and
lifestyle) that are not inherited.
Why Are There Cancer Genes in the Jewish Community?
About 1 person in 50 (2%) in the Jewish community carries
one of these cancer predisposition genes. These are
particularly for breast and ovarian cancer (and less so for
prostate and pancreatic cancer) linked to the gene
mutations: BRCA1 5382insG; BRCA1 185delAG; BRCA2
6174delT and the bowel cancer predisposition gene APC
I1307K. There are several ideas of why these mutations
may be more common in the Jewish community. This
may be due to a selective advantage that in the past
allowed someone carrying this gene mutation to be
Figure 3 – Knudson’s Two-Hit Hypothesis for Mutations in
Tumour Suppressor Genes Cancer Causing Cancer
28 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 29

somehow fitter and survive adverse environments. Or it
may the founder effect that groups in the population are
descended from a common ancestor who carried that
gene mutation gene. Their descendents will then be
more likely to inherit and pass on that gene and a mutation
if this has been present. This is the case for other genes in
the Jewish community, for example Tay-Sachs and
Gaucher’s disease. Gene mutations genes may become
more common in a population by a random process
known as genetic drift. This is simply the chance that over
generations some genes become more frequent whilst
other genes are lost from that population. The strong
religious tradition of Jews to marry in and remain isolated
from their neighbours will tend to preserve these genetic
traits. This has favoured a number of gene mutations to
appear more frequent, particularly for Ashkenazi Jews from
the shtetl communities of eastern Europe. This is why it is
important to have bone marrow donors from within the
Jewish community that share a common genetic
background and increase the chances of finding a
compatible match , .
Cancer in the Family - What Should I Do?
All of us may know of someone in our family with cancer.
But if you have more than the expected number of
cancers, particularly breast, ovarian or bowel cancer you
may want to look into this further. Ask your GP or contact
CHAI , but the following may be pointers to an increased
risk in your family history:
• breast cancer at 40 or younger in a mother, sister or
daughter
• breast cancer at 50 or younger in two close relatives
including mother, aunt, grandmother, sister, daughter
or cousin
• breast cancer at any age in three or more close
relatives
• ovarian cancer at any age
• bowel cancer under the age of 45
• bowel cancer at any age in two close relatives
You cannot change your family!, but you can change your
lifestyle and diet to reduce your risk. Stop smoking, avoid
too much saturated fat, increase fibre in your diet, exercise
and lose weight. If there is a moderate family history
additional screening (mammography breast checks and
colonoscopy to check the bowel for polyps), may be
suggested. Inherited cancers include breast, ovarian,
bowel and less so prostate, pancreas, uterus (womb) and
renal (kidney) cancers.
If you are concerned that your family may be at higher risk
of cancer, your GP can refer you to one of a national
network of cancer genetics clinics . A detailed family
history will be taken and the types of cancers in your family
confirmed from hospital records. You will be invited to
discuss your family history and given information about
your risk and the options open to you. A family member
who has had a ‘genetic cancer’ maybe asked if they are
prepared to give a blood sample to test their DNA for
alterations in one of the cancer genes. There are many
considerations to be made before considering genetic
testing, particularly the implications for you and your family
and for insurance. This will be discussed in a genetic
counselling session before the test is taken. Full genetic
analysis can take two to three months or longer if extra
genes are tested.
Testing For a Cancer Predisposition Gene
Knowing that you carry a cancer predisposition gene
makes the development of some forms of cancer more
likely, but not inevitable. A woman who carries a BRCA1 or
BRCA2 mutation may have up to a 70% risk of developing
breast cancer and a 40% risk of ovarian cancer in their
lifetime. At first this can be difficult to come to terms with.
You may feel worried about your health, concerned for
your family, or even feel responsible even though it’s no
one’s fault. This is quite understandable. Genetic
counselling and time spent discussing your options with
experts together with the support of family and friends’
helps people to come to terms with this and make
decisions that are best for them . There are no right or
wrong things to do. Everyone is different in how they react.
You may be worried about your risk of cancer if a relative
carries a cancer predisposition gene or just knowing that
there is an increased risk in the Jewish community. If you
have not had a cancer yourself, then a detailed discussion
may be needed to discuss ‘predictive testing’. This is a
blood test to see if you carry an inherited gene, putting
you at increased risk of developing cancer. After careful
discussion, weighing up the pros and cons you may be
offered the genetic test. If your test shows that you have
inherited the cancer predisposition gene mutation,
additional screening will be suggested. Women carrying
one of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may ask to
have their ovaries removed if they have completed their
family or may consider having a prophylactic mastectomy.
Everyone is different and everyone needs an individual
discussion with a genetic counsellor. Your test result can
affect how you feel about your health in the future and it
can affect health and life insurance.
The Future
It is a lot of information and a lot to think about, but there is
also optimism that increasing understanding of the genetic
basis of cancer will allow better advice about cancer
prevention, the development of more effective drugs and BRCA2 gene mutations is being offered to selected families
treatments . There are families who carry these genes, but before a cancer has shown in the family. This offers many
who have never developed a cancer. Their lifestyle and opportunities, but also raises questions; ‘Do you want to
studies on their other genes (known as modifier genes) may know?, What will you do if you find you are carrying a
tell us how we can better advise people at risk in the cancer gene mutation? Will you tell your family?’ These
population from ever developing cancer. We already have questions require a lot of discussion and careful thought.
new drug treatments such as Herceptin and PARP
Genetic screening across the Jewish community will
inhibitors that target the genetic changes in cancer cells identify people who carry a cancer predisposition gene
with increasing effectiveness and less toxicity.
mutation, but who may never actually go on to develop
a cancer. Chai, genetic counsellors and cancer experts
Research programmes are under way to identify who are there to provide information, discuss your options and
might be carrying such genes and what their levels of offer support.
cancer risk are. Testing for the specific Jewish BRCA1 and
Dr Ian Ellis MB BS FRCP BSc
Born in Hendon (not far from Chai, but too many years
before to mention!), educated in Hendon and then
studied Medicine at the Middlesex Hospital, London.
He developed his future career interest in Genetics
whilst taking a First Class Honours BSc degree in
Biochemistry & Genetics at University College London.
Medical training London included the Hammersmith
Hospital (renal medicine), Hospital for Nervous
Diseases, Queen Square (neurology) and Northwick
Park Hospital (paediatrics). Research and the Senior
Registrar in Clinical Genetics at Guy’s Hospital, London. He established the UK National
Tay-Sachs Screening Programme there and was awarded the Pentland Young
Professional Award by Jewish Care in 1990 and the Dora Schuster Memorial Prize by the
London Jewish Medical Society in recognition of this.
Appointed Senior Lecturer in Clinical Genetics at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital,
Liverpool in 1994. Research into hereditary pancreatitis and familial pancreatic cancer,
Jewish genetics and ethico-legal aspects of storing DNA and the sharing of genetic
information. He was Clinical Director for Medical Genetics 2000-2005 and is now a Year
Director in the Liverpool University Medical School as well as running a busy genetics
clinic for diagnosis and genetic counselling. He has been a past president
of the Liverpool Jewish Medical Society and treasurer of the Cancer Genetics Group.
Advisor to the UK Gauchers Association and invited steering member for the recently
established Jewish Genetic Diseases UK group.
His hobbies are finding spare time and when he does, enjoying his family and the
Lake District. He is married with two teenage children and lives in South Manchester.
30 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 31

Chai Promise
Chai Promise, launched at a reception in Chai’s
new Wohl Wing on Thursday 24th June 2010 is an
initiative created by Natalie Chester, Emma Myers
& Laura Avigdori.
Jane Conley, Julia Clarfield, Emma Myers, Claire Leek
Richard Frank, Lewis Chester, Sharon Coppel & Toby Coppel
Sharon Coppel, Gina Latner, Hanna Goldsmith
Inspired by the work of Chai Cancer Care, they are
aiming to raise £100,000 for Chai’s Children & Family
Service by asking their friends to host events in aid
of Chai. To attend the events, guests pay a donation
to the Chai Promise project and promise to host their
own event.
Chai Promise events can be as simple or extravagant
as the host chooses! From simple dinner parties
to grand gala events, book clubs, BBQs, quiz nights
or celebrations.
The Chai Promise launch evening, attended by over
40 people, has resulted in 20 subsequent events
being planned in the community in the coming
months. We anticipate that Chai Promise will
become a community wide enterprise that will raise
vital funds and awareness for Chai Cancer Care and
specifically the work with Children & Families.
To host a Chai Promise event please contact Nicola
Nathan at nicolanathan@chaicancercare.org
Katy Jay & Philip Goldsmith
Sharona & Simone Leibovitch
Vicki Silver, Amanda Kessler, Amanda Shelley
Rakhee James, Francesca Frank & Mandy Chester
Tamara Craig & Claudia Magid
Francesca Frank, Yifat Joseph, Ilana Kustow,
Lionel Kustow, Cathy Tarn, Yifat Joseph, Ilana Kustow
Rakhee James & Mandy Chester
Laura Avigdori, Natalie Chester & Emma Myers

Dina’s Story: Vicky Brown
Lady Jakobovits z’l
Dina Grunewald, Julie Cohn, Tami Grunewald & Ellie Grunwald
Chai Cancer Care exists because Lady Jakobovits z’l
had the inspiration to introduce our co-founders
Frances Winegarten z’l to Susan Shipman 20 years ago.
She instinctively knew that there would be a rapport
between them and that they would be able share their
experiences of living with cancer to help others in the
community.
As the “Shadchan” (matchmaker) she was personally
involved - from the very early meetings, some of them
in her Hamilton Terrace home together with her
beloved husband Harav Lord Jakobovits z’l, to her very
sudden and unexpected passing.
difficult circumstances, felt the benefit of her positive
outlook and belief. She had the gift of inspiring people
to find their inner strength and realise their full potential.
It is testament to her influence on our community that
she is regarded by everyone who had the privilege of
knowing her, with such deep affection and respect.
All of us at Chai Cancer Care will strive to continue to
make her proud of the organisation she was
instrumental in founding.
The recipes that are featured in Dina’s cookbook were
originally collected to give to her best friend as a
wedding present – as she wanted her to have
something “that was meaningful and would last
forever”. Dina asked her friends and family to share their
much loved recipes. The response to her request was
amazing and she managed to collect over 100
delicious recipes!
As the original cookbook was such a success, Dina and
her friends decided to continue to gather new recipes
to create another cookbook that she would produce
and print. These would be sold to raise money for Chai,
a “cause that is close to her heart” and dedicated to
the memory of her dear mother.
Having witnessed first hand the effect that cancer has
on the patient as well as the family, Dina feels very
strongly about the importance of having professional
support available for the community through each
stage of a cancer journey. Dina has experienced how
Chai supports the community and wanted to be able to
help this vital lifeline continue to offer its ever growing
services to all those that
need it.
Dina approached Chai
and met up with the team
to discuss the idea of
selling her cookbook.
Dina’s determination and
organisation shone
through as she explained
the concept of the
cookbook, design ideas and how many she was
planning to sell. Dina was even able to get the printing
of the cookbooks sponsored by her close family and
friends.
Over the course of a year, Dina gradually explained to
people her intentions for the cookbook and found that
people were so moved by what she had embarked
upon that they were incredibly supportive.
After the cookbooks had been printed, Dina set to work
on selling them. She found that once again, her
amazing close circle of friends all came together and
offered to either buy, or help her sell the books. With no
real advertising of the cookbook, Dina was inundated
with people asking to buy a copy. She puts the success
of the cookbook sales down to “word of mouth” and
her “unbelievable friends, without whom this would
never have come to fruition.”
Chai witnessed ‘dynamo’ Dina when she attended the
Community Fun Run, turning up with boxes full of
cookbooks. At the end of the day everyone was
astounded that Dina and her sisters had sold the lot.
Dina’s hard work has produced funds which will benefit
many Chai clients and she is an inspiration to all who
come into contact with her.
To date Dina has sold 850 cookbooks and plans to
continue to sell many more! Dina’s cookbooks are
currently on sale at Chai. To find out more or to
purchase a copy please call 0208 202 2211 and ask for
Danielle Satter, or email info@chaicancercare.org.
Lady J held the well deserved title of Honorary Patron
of Chai, however, this does not fully reflect the very
many roles she played within the organisation. A true
friend and mentor, her years of communal experience
and contacts were an invaluable source of support and
guidance as Chai grew and developed.
Her warmth and compassion knew no limits. All who
came into contact with her, sometimes under very
The Leora Kuhillow Courage Awards
Chai Cancer Care is delighted to have been chosen as a charity partner
for these inaugural awards in memory of Leora Kuhillow. The awards are
generously supported by the Jewish Telegraph.
The adult awards will be presented at a prestigious dinner
in Manchester on Sunday 13th March 2011
For more information please call Vicki Morris
on 020 8202 2211or email at
vickimorris@chaicancercare.org
Lady Jakobovits z’l & Frances Winegarten z’l at the 2006 Chai Dinner
34 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 35

Lighten the load – One stress you can relieve!
Vicky Brown
Current fashion dictates their peculiar choices, many slightly insane stories
that we must carry huge would come out the woodwork.
handbags – and
we all know that the
If I may offer a logical reason that we women carry
bigger the bag, the more such random objects in our bags, I would have to go
we simply have to tote down the psychological route. Maybe we have all
around with us! This is not had some terrible experience in the past that has left us
science nor mathematics, with the thought “Oi vey, I’m never leaving the house
but a female trait that again without …..!”.
seems to be prevalent
around the globe.
So where is the line drawn, how do we know how much
is too much to carry and when do we start lightening
I find that although my the load?
handbag is always huge,
the habit I still have is that Research shows that some handbags fully loaded can
I overfill it. This isn’t because Prada tells me to pack weigh up to 15lbs. My interpretation is that whilst looking
everything in sight and then schlep it about the whole fabulous with my fashionably large bag I’m also having
day, they just tell me to carry it and in doing so I will a good workout. If only eating too much nosh had the
look elegant and fashionable. My problem seems to same effect!
be that everything in my bag seems to fall into the
essential categories of either the ‘must haves’ or the I found out, however that I couldn’t be more wrong
‘might needs’.
when I asked Chai’s Physiotherapist Stephen Parkus for
a clinical view.
The ‘must haves’ are the essence of my being that I
carry, always. Even if I take out a smaller bag I will The Health & Safety Executive report that back pain
always find room for my purse (also fashionably
is more common when lifting heavy items;
oversized!), blackberry, diary, keys, make up, perfume “Carrying loads awkwardly or one handed; repetitive
and business cards. If all of these items do not squash tasks; bending or crouching; lifting when tired.”
into a smaller bag, rather than lightening the load I will
upgrade the bag and go for a larger one.
Although there is no such thing as a completely
‘safe’ lift, for an average woman, the maximum
The ‘might needs’ are those little things that I might recommended weight to lift from the floor is 3kg.
need when I’m out, for example, an umbrella and hair This assumes that the bag is lifted correctly.
spray. Time after time I have found myself caught in the
rain in need of an umbrella, and hair spray to fix the If it is really necessary to carry a large handbag,
frizzy bird’s nest that my hair had moulded into. This has try to reduce the weight of the handbag itself to no
led to me carrying the two everywhere in order to more than 1 to 2 lbs. Then try to minimise how much
prevent such embarrassment ever again.
stuff you’re putting inside, and ditch anything you
don’t need. If you must carry your bag on the shoulder,
Compared to some, I would say that an umbrella and alternate from one shoulder to another, every
hair spray are quite common for a woman to carry, 15 minutes.
however I am well aware that some people’s ‘might
needs’ can include everything from a spare pair of Ideally the weight should be distributed evenly across
heels to the kitchen sink. If most women looked through your body, which means the best option is something
their handbags and listed their ‘might needs’ and like a rucksack, or pulling a case on wheels for
searched for a reason they carry them in order to justify heavier items.
Here are a few tips to keep your handbag from being
a burden:
• Weigh your handbag. You might be amazed by how
much it weighs!
• Think through the day ahead and pack accordingly.
• Pack a smaller make-up bag with a few essentials.
You’ll only have to touch up your make-up during
the day so leave the foundation and brushes
at home.
Stephen Parkus B.Sc (Hons) MCSP SRP
Chartered Physiotherapist
When to lighten
the load?
If you look at
someone from
the side, their
spine should
be a gentle
S-shaped curve.
From behind,
their spine should be a straight line.
Anything that pushes or pulls the spine
away from this ideal shape can cause
strain in the spine, and the more often
it happens, the more the strain builds
up. This can lead to headaches, pain
in the neck, upper or lower back.
Carrying handbags that are too heavy
is one such cause of strain!
The trend for oversized bags means
there is more space to fill. The bigger
the bag, the more tempting it is to fill it.
The Daily Mail in 2007 quoted a study
which found that women today carry
• De-clutter your purse of small change - clear it out
– use it up or better still donate it to Chai
Exercising regularly is also advisable. If you have a
strong core from exercise like pilates, you’re much less
likely to hurt yourself.
So ladies... when choosing a handbag, for the sake of
your spine, less is always better!
twice as much in their handbags as their
mothers used to. Mum might have had
a coin purse, a powder compact, a
couple of tissues and a house key.
Increasingly, women are carrying more
gadgets such as iPods and mobile
phones, which has created a demand
for larger handbags. A survey in the
Independent in 2008 showed that the
average weight of a woman’s handbag
has increased by 38% over five years to
2.4 kg (5lbs). In some cases the weight
of a full handbag can be up to 7kg (15
lbs). As well as packing more inside, the
handbags themselves are often heavy.
Carrying a bag on one shoulder leads
to improper weight distribution
across the neck, shoulder and back,
causing strain in the joints, muscles and
ligaments of the spine, which can lead
to pain.
As a result, more and more women are
requiring treatment for neck, shoulder
and back pain.
36 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 37

Tracy-Ann Oberman
“ I am convinced that the size of a
womans handbag is a corellation to
where she is at in her life and
whether she has procreated or not.
The bag becomes a metaphor as it
were . Before having my daughter I
could walk around with a tiny little
clutch smaller than my hand
containing: one lipstick, one stick of
chewing gum, a chub key and a small mobile phone. Since
having my daughter my bag of choice is now ENORMOUS. This
summer I have a large Gerard Darel leather fringed one, large
enough to carry: an iphone, a battery pack for an iphone, a
script, a large make up bag ... (mainly containing concealer for
under eye baggage), a filo-fax, a list of things I have forgotten
to do, a notebook, and three sets of keys plus a minnie mouse
set of crayons and pens, babywipes, a spare pair of my
daughters knickers, a barbie doll and most importantly her
“mummy- cloth comforter” for when it all gets too much.
Although I’m not sure who needs the comforter most at times.
Her or me!”
Maureen Lipman
“Over the years I have minimised
what I carry. My bag is a flat, over
the body one and in it I have my
phone, keys, chequebook, purse with
cards, freedom pass, the occasional
lipstick and a poo bag (for the dog
of course). I may also have a card
from my secretary detailing where
I should be!”
Jan Shure
Olivia Phillips
Freelance
Fashion Writer &
Blogger:
“My bag is the
most physical
extension of me
possible - it holds
the telltale signs
of who I really
am inside a
glossy case of
who I want to be.
My Chloe Milton
might look
sophisticated,
but in reality is crammed with month-old
receipts, fluff and a dog-eared and rather
embarrassing copy of Twilight....”
www.newfavouritething.com
Natalie-Anne Hasseck
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Writer, has
written for W Magazine, Grazia and Women’s
Wear Daily www.layersandswathes.com
“The truth is that the design of handbags
stemming from the runway are getting smaller
and boxier. However in terms of sales, the
larger handbags and aptly titled ‘holdalls’ will
always outsell the small bags because
women simply cannot leave the house
without their ‘survival kit’”
Advice and Advocacy at Chai
When a client comes to Chai their main reason is to systems that often seem impenetrable within the NHS.
seek help in dealing with cancer – whether it be a new
diagnosis, coping with treatment, dealing with a
prognosis or rehabilitation. Whatever the reason there
are often other areas within clients’ lives that require
support and advice. Chai finds that in order to allow
patients, their families and friends to focus on living with
the cancer, these often intrusive other issues require
attention. Chai has been building expertise for years so
that we can either help with other areas of concern to
clients, or source somebody who can.
Chai has in-house expertise on statutory benefits from
Anne Shine. Anne will advise on what benefits can be
applied for – some of which are not means tested –
and sits with clients if
required, to fill out the
lengthy and complex
application forms. Anne is
also very knowledgeable
about nursing and
palliative care homes and
Expertise
From its beginning Chai has been a source of
information when clients need to find a medical
Ann Shine
can provide information
and support to clients
negotiating this provision.
specialist, find out about a clinical trial or want advice
on coping with treatment. Over the years we have also
built up comprehensive lists of where to find wigs,
providers of semi-permanent make-up to disguise loss
of eyebrows and eyelashes, domiciliary opticians and
hearing care, suppliers of underwear for after
We are fortunate that we have professionals within the
community that, through Chai, are able to provide pro
bono financial advice on running household accounts,
basic probate advice and confidence coaching for
returning to work.
mastectomies, insurers that will cover cancer patients
for travel, local care agencies, nursing homes, dietary
and nutritional advice and so the list goes on.
Advocacy
Elaine, Anne and our Client Services Managers provide
advocacy for patients and families when dealing with
Our Chief Executive Elaine Kerr advises clients - both
patients and carers - on what services they are entitled
to from the NHS and social services, and how to get the
best from private medical care. Elaine ensures that
clients understand and cope with the processes and
agencies. For instance, Chai can support clients in
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings at hospitals and
hospices, when care packages are being decided,
or negotiate with care homes and social services on
clients’ behalf.
JC Fashion Editor and co-founder of www.60andsensational.co.uk “I have been a handbag
hoarder (in both senses, having squirreled away far more handbags than I can possibly use, and
stowing far more in the one I am currently using than is healthy for my shoulders or arms) for most
of my adult life.
Currently, apart from the obvious contents (overstuffed Mulberry wallet, Blackberry, keys, lip salve,
Tom Ford lipstick, Oyster card, emery board, sunnies, glasses, pens, hairbrush – that is all obvious,
isn’t it?), there is a copy of today’s Times, a copy of this week’s JC, a teeny telescopic umbrella, dozens of business
cards (for the JC and for my website 60&Sensational – www.60andsensational.co.uk), a shiny little hairslide belonging
to my granddaughter Sadie, a small toy car belonging to my grandson Henry, notes from a talk I gave three weeks
ago, invitations to press events that have taken place in the last few weeks, a map of Vancouver and a bottle of
Chanel Particuliere. I do clear my bag out every few weeks, you have caught me at a moment when I haven’t had
time for a clean-up.
Which is why – at various times in my life – the people who have been the recipients of a large part of my disposable
income have been physiotherapists, osteopaths and masseurs. But try to part me from the contents
of my handbag and I will feel bereft: my bag is my on-the-road office, my security blanket and – naturally –
a status symbol of sorts. So, my future is diary dates with masseurs and physios and, of course, the Smythson sale… “
Lyn Tobin
Lyn Tobin worked as
an adviser at the
Citizens Advice
Bureau for five
years, followed by
15 years’
experience at Employee Assistance
Programmes using her counselling and
advisory skills to assist clients with
benefits, education, consumer,
employment, divorce and
discrimination.. She has a BA in social
psychology and social policy.
Chai is able to make referrals to a range of specialist
providers for our clients, such as social services,
palliative care teams, genetics services, voluntary
and care agencies.
New comprehensive advisory service
We recently commenced a new advisory service run
by Lyn Tobin – who we are extremely fortunate to have.
Lyn advises clients on a wide range of issues such as
debt, family issues, housing, benefits, employment,
discrimination, children, consumer issues, travel and
sourcing carers. Lyn has access to a multitude of
external resources which are of great benefit to
Chai’s clients.
All the above services can be accessed by calling
Chai on 0808 808 4567, or 020 8202 2211.
38 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 39

All proceeds to Chai Cancer Care
www.chaicancercare.org
Registered Charity No. 1078956
A Year in the Life of Chai...
September 2009
7th Annual Outlook
10k Countryside Walk
Over 60 people
walked through
Sarratt, Flaunden and
Chenies and other
picturesque villages
raising a total of
£10,000.
October 2009
The Deacon’s Charity
Poker Night
Natalie Shipman
Memorial Lecture
Chai’s first lecture
held in Manchester
was the annual
Natalie Shipman
Memorial Lecture
February 2010
From the Shtetl to La Scala
Hendon Synagogue
played host to a concert
featuring Tsudik Grunwald
for his first ever UK
appearance. He was
accompanied by Orad
Katz, an 11 year old child
prodigy. 400 people
attended the concert
organised my Melvyn
Carter and Michael
Kallenberg. £2,500
was raised.
May 2010
From the Shtetl
to La Scala
An evening of popular Jewish music,
and operatic arias
Menachem Bristowski,
world renowned pianist
Performed by:
Tsudik Greenwald, Israel’s rising star,
making his UK debut
Programme of music devised by Israeli producer, Levie Kanes (www.cantorscenter.com)
Sunday 21st February 2010 at 7.30 pm
Hendon Synagogue,
Raleigh Close, London NW4 2TA
Accompanied by child prodigy
Orad Katz, 11
March 2010
Lady Captain’s Charity
Day at Dryham Park
Golf Club
Ruth Goldsobel, Lady
Captain at Dyrham Park
hosted a ladies lunch
in aid of Chai Cancer
Care. Journalist and ex
editor of Cosmopolitan Linda Kelsey spoke to a packed out
room. The lunch raised over £6,500.
Night on Broadway
Watersmeet theatre, Rickmansworth
April 2010
Golf Fore Chai 2009
The Golf Fore Chai
Committee held their first
ever golf tournament at
Hartsbourne Country Club.
The day included a buffet
breakfast, a round of golf
with a Ferrari 360 as the
Hole In One prize. Followed
by a three-course lunch
with a raffle and auction.
The day raised over £32,000
November 2009
The 2nd Chai Table Tennis
Competition
Lindsay & Simon Davidson
organised yet another
successful Table Tennis
Tournament held at
Hampstead Garden Suburb
Synagogue the event.
Attended by over 100
people, with 51 participating
in the tournament it was an
exciting and fun evening all
round. The evening raised
over £13,000.
Paul Deacon organised a
Charity Poker Night at the
River Card Cub 50 players
battled it out for the top 3
cash prizes. The evening
raised £1,500.
December 2009
Volunteer and
staff Chanukah
lunch at Chai
January 2010
Chai Bridge Lunch
Due to its popularity
Chai held two bridge
lunches in one year.
Over 70 people
attended the one in
December raising
over £3,500
Glasgow launch at the Walton
CommunityCentre
Chai launched its new service
in Glasgow
June 2010
New Wohl Wing opening at Chai (See page 22)
Chai Promise at Chai (See page 32)
Community Fun Run
Chai had 68 runners this
year raising £10,000
Staff and Volunteer
party for the opening
of the Wohl Wing
Three peak challenge by
“3 of the best”
Climbing the 3 peaks in
24 hours -Ben Nevis;
Scotland, Scafell Pike;
Lake District & Snowdon;
Wales. Rasied £8350 for
Chai Cancer Care
Virgin London Marathon
Three of Chai’s five
marathon runners, Benjamin
Moss, David Rose & Glenda
Aussenberg. Jeremy Carson
and Brian Gordon also ran,
and in total the runners
raised over £12,500.
Club 18 Reception
A reception was held
at Chai to celebrate
five years of Club 18’s
successful golf
tournaments.
Outlook Committee Theatre Night
The Outlook Committee hired the New End Theatre for a private
viewing of ‘Hetty Feinstein’s Wedding Anniversary. The theatre was
packed full with over 80 people and the night raised over £1,000.
Chai Life’s Winter
Soiree in Soho
Chai Cancer Care’s
young business
committee held its
second sell-out event
at Graphic Bar in
Soho. Over 200
guests enjoyed Chai
cocktails, a guest
DJ and Carmelli’s
doughnuts. The
event raised over
£6,000.
February 2010
Marathon runner’s reception
All of Chai’s 2009 Marathon
Runners were invited to Chai
so we could thank them in
person and they could see
how their sponsorship money
is being spent. Training tips
were exchanged.
Outlook Committee
Bridge Lunch
The lunch was held at
Badgers Croft, Totteridge
for the first time. Over 80
people attended and the
day raised over £2,000.
Chai Life presents
‘Sax In the City’
Chai Life committee
held a night of blues,
jazz and soul at
Albannach bar in
Trafalgar Square
raising £2,000.
Club 18 Annual Golf
Tournament
The Club 18 Golf
Committee held its
5th Annual golf
tournament for over
90 people raising
over £25,000.
Chai Five - ‘Test your
Chai Q’ Quiz night
Our Chai Five committee ran
a school themed supper quiz
at Hertsmere Jewish Primary
School, over 70 people
attended raising over £1,000
Tea at the Ritz
at Chai
The All Out For Chai
Committee held an
afternoon tea at Chai
with a speaker talking
about fashion from the
1920s. The afternoon
raised £2,000.

The Effects of Cancer on Relationship and Intimacy
The Natalie Shipman Memorial Lectures
Chai clients come to see us from diagnosis onwards
and naturally their most important objective is to get
the cancer into remission. However, once that has been
achieved they may need help to learn how to carry on
with their lives.
Cancer and the treatment for cancer can have a
devastating effect on peoples’ lives, both physically
and mentally. The surgery and the chemotherapy drugs
can have an adverse impact too. A patient’s
perception of their own body image may change and
this in itself can alter their relationship with their partner,
and cause distress to both of them. Talking about
intimacy in such circumstances can sometimes be
embarrassing, or difficult, and make either or both of
the partners feel awkward.
Health professionals may not think to ask their patient
whether their cancer treatment is impacting upon their
relationship with their partner, and may be unaware
that it is affecting the patient’s state of mind. Whilst the
physical symptoms of the cancer and its treatment can
be dealt with by those health professionals, the
emotional symptoms need to be separately understood
and addressed.
It can often be hard for a couple to find the right words
to use when starting to talk about their physical
relationship. People then put off dealing with their
feelings, and talking about intimacy with their partner,
as it can feel like their privacy is being invaded.
Communication is essential for any relationship to work,
and Chai can help a patient and their partner to think
about how best to keep it going. It is therefore
important to be able to talk about this matter
confidentially, with an independent, professional
person, in order to help the patient and their partner
avoid letting the cancer destroy the intimacy in their
relationship.
“Whilst the physical
symptoms of the cancer
and its treatment can
be dealt with by health
professionals, the emotional
symptoms need to be
separately understood
and addressed”
Chai has professional counsellors, trained specifically
in relationship and intimacy issues, who support
patients and their partners through the difficult period
in complete confidence. One of our counsellors, who
has a degree and diploma in psychology, specialises
in issues relating to intimacy. She lectures internationally
to both experienced professionals and post-graduate
students on the issues that particularly impact on
intimacy within relationships.
We are fortunate to have additional counsellors who
work with relationship issues and also specialise in issues
relating to intimacy.
Our counsellors have been able to utilise those skills in
helping numerous clients and their partners through the
difficulties brought on by cancer and its treatment.
The Natalie Shipman Memorial Lectures are held in
memory of Natalie Shipman z”l who passed away just
before her 8th birthday. Natalie was the daughter of
Chai’s co-founder Susan Shipman.
2009
The 20th lecture was for the first time held in
Manchester at Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Professor
Albert Singer, Consultant Gynaecologist travelled from
London especially to again chair this annual event. The
auditorium was full to hear Professor Gordon Jayson talk
about The Latest Developments in the Treatment of
Ovarian Cancer.
Professor Jayson is a Professor of Medical Oncology at
Christie, and has a particular interest in biological
research, leading clinical trials for the Paterson Institute
and Cancer Research UK. He highlighted the risk factors
for women and spoke about awareness of signs that
may lead to early detection. Professor Jayson went on
to speak about new treatments and ongoing research,
Prof. Albert Singer, Susan Shipman & Prof. Gordon Jayson
and explained some of the challenges involved in
treating ovarian cancer. The lecture culminated with a
variety of questions from the audience, which were
posed anonymously.
2010
Living With and Beyond Cancer
Keynote Speaker – Dr Adrian Tookman
Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine, Medical
Director of Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust and
Director of Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead
Monday 11th October 2010
Chai Cancer Care Centre
144-146 Great North Way, London NW4 1EH
Admission free by ticket only.
Please call Vicky Brown to book your place
on 020 8202 2211.
42 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 43

Appealing to the Appetite: Healthy Eating Recipes
“The occasion of the opening of the inspirational Wohl Wing and furthermore spending time in the Whole Foods Store
in Kensington the following day, gave me inspiration to put together a few ideas to appeal to the appetite.”
Sula Leon
Sula has lived in Manchester all her life. Having qualified as a Home Economist from the
famous Elizabeth Gaskell College she followed a wide ranging culinary career bringing
pleasure to all generations. Her cookery school in partnership with Evelyn Rose, ‘Master
Classes in Food and Wine’ was a sell out for 20 years out of which emanated 2 best selling
books – Master Classes for Creative Cooks and Weekend Cook.
Sula’s artistic skills were best exemplified when she prepared the food sets for TV
blockbusters ‘Brideshead Revisited’ and ‘Jewel in the Crown’ alongside many other TV series.
Artichoke/Hearts of Palm and Almond Soup
The almond gives the flavour and works as a natural thickener
to this delicious soup and adds protein too.
Serve either hot or chilled.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichoke hearts or 2 cans of hearts of palm
2ozs (50g) butter or 2tbsp oil
3 shallots – sliced
15floz (425 ml) vegetable stock
1 pint (600 ml) milk
2oz (50g) ground almonds
salt and black pepper
toasted flaked almonds and dill when serving.
1. Drain artichokes/hearts of palm, reserve two and slice others. Put in a small pan with half the butter or oil. Cover
and cook gently for 10 minutes.
2. In a medium soup pan cook the shallots gently in the remaining butter or until golden. Then add stock and milk.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 4 minutes before adding the ground almonds and cooked artichokes/hearts
of palm.
3. Puree in a blender until smooth. Return to the pan and leave for several hours.
4. When ready to serve, add the reserved artichokes/hearts of palm, cut into thin slices and add to the soup.
Serve hot or well chilled, garnished with the toasted flakes almonds and scissored dill.
Ever willing to give her time to the voluntary sector Sula has raised considerable sums of
money for charity by giving her ever-popular demonstrations. She has been involved in the
setting up of the ‘Cocktail Crew’ at the Christie Hospital, working with the dietician
preparing replacement food and drink for patients with swallowing and eating difficulties.
Sula is a Magistrate, has 4 children and many grandchildren and is married to Anthony, a chartered accountant and
Deputy Lieutenant.
Two Smoothies designed for when you are not eating well or are trying to increase
or maintain your weight
1. Tropical Tingle
1 carton chilled orange flavoured Ensure
2 floz (50ml) lemonade
top up with pineapple juice to taste
Whisk ingredients together, pour into 2 glasses and serve.
2. Chocolate Dream
1 carton chocolate flavoured Ensure
1 block vanilla ice cream
Liquidise all ingredients together then pour into a glass and float extra cubes of ice
cream on top.
NB: keep cartons in the fridge and when prepared drink within 24 hours.
Puy lentils and Celeriac with Rocket, Pine nuts and Mint
A hearty combination of flavours, served on its own or as part of a buffet.
1 packet puy lentils (ready to eat)
1 celeriac
3tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp hazelnut oil
1 ½ tbsp of each cider and balsamic vinegar
1 small bunch mint
1 bunch rocket
50g (2oz) pine nuts
seasoning
1. Empty contents of packet of lentils into a pan and heat gently then mix
hot lentils with the oils, vinegars and seasonings.
2. Peel and cut the celeriac into thin chips and cook in boiling water for 6 – 8 minutes, drain.
3. In a bowl mix the celeriac, lentils, half of the chopped mint and half of the pine nuts.
In a large serving dish throw over the washed rocket and pile on the celeriac mix.
4. Garnish with the rest of the mint and pine nuts.
Spinach and Herb Frittata
This is basically a quiche without the pie-crust. An ideal accompaniment would
be a dollop of crème fraiche mixed with finely sliced cucumber and mint.
Ingredients:
1lb (500g) fresh spinach
2 tbsp oil
4 eggs
a bunch of spring onions
3 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped mint
salt
black pepper
nutmeg.
1. Microwave washed spinach for 3 minutes. Remove and coarsely chop.
2. In a bowl lightly beat the eggs, spinach, finely sliced spring onions, herbs and seasonings.
3. Heat oil in a large fry pan, pour in spinach mixture and cook on a low heat for 5 minutes until bottom is set.
4. Transfer the pan to under a hot grill and cook until puffed and golden.
5. Turn out onto a serving plate and serve in slices – hot or cold.
44 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 45

We count ourselves as fortunate to have a number of fabulous
Year in Fundraising – 2010
committees who regularly coordinate fundraising events in aid of
Chai. We look forward to working with you again in the coming year.
However, if you are not the committee type – but would like to do
something for Chai – please talk to us about Chai Promise (see page
We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you
who have chosen to support Chai Cancer Care’s
fundraising campaign in 2010.
As Chai receives no statutory funding we are entirely
reliant on, and particularly grateful to, the continued
generosity of the UK Jewish community. You ensure that
Chai can continue to meet the growing demand for
our expertise and specialised care, and develop
innovative new cancer support services throughout
the UK.
We truly appreciate our loyal Benefactors & Patrons
who play such a significant part in funding Chai’s many
great accomplishments over the years.
In an effort to make recognition for the community’s
generosity more accessible, 2010 has seen the launch
of our Friends campaign, enabling us to publically
acknowledge donations of £2,500. Any donation can
be spread over the course of a year as a standing
order, making it more financially manageable to
become our Friend should you wish!
Legacy income is so vital to any charity. It provides
crucial funding enabling forward planning and the
innovation and development of new services. In 2010
Chai has officially launched a Legacy Campaign
encouraging our existing supporters to consider
remembering Chai in their Will. What a wonderful way
of helping to ensure that future generations of cancer
patients and their families can continue access the
very best advice and specialist support.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the many gracious
and generous people who this year have foregone
their own gifts to nominate Chai as their recipient for
Commemorative Giving. By marking special occasions
in their lives or the lives of their loved ones this way they
are able to have a lasting impact on the lives of those
affected by a cancer diagnosis.
If you would like further information about
Commemorative Giving or making a donation please
contact Sariet Pretz on 020 8457 2071 or sariet@
chaicancercare.org
The brave individuals who have undertaken heroic
Sponsored Activities in efforts to raise money for Chai
are a source of great inspiration to us all. From
Marathon running (or walking), climbing 3 mountains in
24 hours, to skydiving and dance-athons – we are truly
grateful for all of your endeavours.
32). Through Chai Promise, you will be raising vital funds for Chai’s
Children & Family Support Service whilst participating in a community
initiative.
Check out Chai’s new website. By November you can post your own
pictures of Chai events and activities and also can set up your own
fundraising page. This will work much like Just Giving but Chai will not
have to incur any 3rd party charges – meaning all your hard earned
sponsorship will directly fund Chai’s services. Donating online has
never been easier.
Please contact either of us for all your fundraising enquiries
on 020 8202 2211.
Thank you for your ongoing support,
Nicola and Danielle
Name:
Address:
Tel:
Email:
Become a friend of Chai
Learn more about leaving a Legacy
Payment details
Postcode:
Nicola Nathan
Danielle Satter
I/We will pay by Standing Order £
per month (Chai will contact you with the relevant information)
ogether
Chai Cancer Care, 144 -146 Great North Way, London NW4 1EH
Telephone: 020 8202 2211
Fax: 020 8202 2111
Email: together@chaicancercare.org
Web: www.chaicancercare.org
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 4567
Designed and produced by Creative & Commercial
Edited by Vicky Brown
Printed by Exco
For editorial enquiries email together@chaicancercare.org
No article or photo published in ogether can be reproduced in part or in full,
electronically or by any other means, without prior permission of Chai Cancer Care.
© Chai Cancer Care 2010
Registered Charity No.1078956
I/we enclose a cheque/charity voucher made payable to ‘Chai Cancer Care’
Payment by Credit/Debit Card:
Amex CAF Card Visa MasterCard Maestro
Card number:
Expiry date:
Issue number: Security code: (last 3 digits on reverse of card, 4 digits for Amex)
Please send me:
A receipt by post/email Details on leaving a legacy Details about sponsoring one of our many services
Gift Aid declaration
Please treat this (future donations and all donations made in the six years prior to the date of declaration) as
Gift Aid Donations. (You must pay an amount of income tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for this tax year at least equal to the tax that we will claim from HMRC.)
Please notify Chai if you change your name or home address.
Chai Cancer Care will not pass on any of your details to a third party (in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998).
Signature:
Date:
46 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 47