Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

My mom Martha, who is 95-years-old, was recently diagnosed with Paget’s disease. This is a relatively rare form of breast cancer, and would be potentially fatal if untreated. After consulting with her doctors, including a cancer specialist and surgeon, she decided to undergo a mastectomy to hopefully rid herself of this shlafkeyt.

Naturally, our family was deeply concerned about the risks of surgery on a woman of mom’s age. After repeated and exhaustive testing, it was determined she would, more than likely, come through the operation safely. Once again we asked mom who, thank God, is of extremely sound mind, whether she wanted to go through with such a major operation. Martha was determined to do whatever was necessary to remain among us for as long as possible; so she opted for the surgery.

I am delighted to report that mom had her surgery on June 5th and came through it beautifully. We were shocked when she was cleared to be released from hospital as early as the 7th. Martha went home into the loving care of my sister Bobbie and brother-in-law Keith. The entire family is grateful to her doctors, and the hospital staff, but most of all to mom. She showed great courage when she opted to undergo this procedure; particularly since it was considered difficult even for a woman much younger than her. Mom has allowed us to keep her in our lives for as long as God is determined to grace us with her presence.

I am grateful for all the medical expertise that allowed mom, and the family, to determine the wisdom of undergoing the surgery. I am also thankful for the successful end result. All of this could not have happened though, if my mom did not have access to this fabulous healthcare through her insurance.

This made me think of all the other mothers who would not have the ability to consult with the many experts, and specialists my mom did, due to the lack of universal health care in our country. Almost 50 million Americans are totally without health insurance. Since this message is essentially one of gratitude to those people who worked so hard to ensure the health of my mom, I have decided to deal with the health insurance matter in my message next month.

For now, thank you to everyone who has helped my family continue to glow in the life of our Yiddishe Momma.