Three Jewish women describe their fights against cancer

By Cailin Acosta in San Diego, California

Resilience, community, and the power of prayer were the resounding themes at the Chabad of East County’s Jewish Women’s Circle event, “Three Women, Three Journeys, One Powerful Conversation,” held Tuesday, April 28.

Speakers Olga Worm, Dr. Shayna Kaufmann, and Andrea Schneider each shared their deeply personal experiences with cancer—how it impacted their lives, and how it ultimately strengthened them. In a room of more than 30 women, their stories offered inspiration, honesty, and practical wisdom for navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

Worm opened the discussion by sharing her experience as a breast cancer survivor.

“I rarely share this about myself—I am a breast cancer survivor,” she said. “I don’t really think about it unless I’m asked or I meet someone who has gone through something similar.”

Worm was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, which had spread to her lymph nodes. What began as a lump she assumed was a cyst quickly turned into a life-altering diagnosis, followed by an intense treatment plan that included chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, radiation, and long-term hormone therapy.

Despite the physical toll, Worm emphasized the importance of continuing to live fully.

“My best advice is to take the time you need to care for yourself, but don’t stop your life,” she said. “Staying engaged with family, friends, and work helped keep my mind off the fear and uncertainty.”

She credited her strong support system—family, friends, colleagues, and community groups—for helping her through treatment.

“When you put effort into helping others, they will return the favor when you need it,” she added.

Worm also highlighted the importance of staying active, both physically and socially, and shared how walking and returning to yoga helped her regain strength and confidence after treatment.

Shayna Kaufmann, a psychologist, followed with a very different, yet equally powerful, perspective.

“There is no one right way through a serious medical challenge,” she said. “It’s deeply personal.”

Kaufmann’s cancer was diagnosed at stage 4 after what initially seemed like minor digestive issues. A late-night review of her medical portal revealed devastating news—she had multiple tumors and was given a limited prognosis.

Faced with urgency, Kaufmann made healing her full-time focus, taking leave from work and pursuing both traditional and non-traditional treatments.

Her regimen included chemotherapy alongside alternative therapies such as vitamin C infusions, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, acupuncture, and meditation.

“I believed in what I was doing,” she said. “That belief was key.”

Prayer and mindfulness became central to her daily routine. She avoided checking her phone first thing in the morning, instead choosing to meditate, visualize healing, and prayer.

“Joy became necessary,” she said. “Even small moments—coffee in the backyard, a walk on the beach—became part of my healing.”

Kaufmann also spoke candidly about the emotional challenges, including asking for financial help through a GoFundMe campaign.

“Swallowing that pride was hard, but I truly believe it helped save my life,” she said.

Following successful treatment and surgery, Kaufmann is now in remission.

“I’m newly in this phase, and yes, there’s fear—but I am living my life,” she said.

Andrea Schneider concluded the panel with her own journey, which began with a delayed diagnosis despite years of persistence.

“In December 2022, I was diagnosed with three inches of invasive breast cancer,” she said. “I had been undiagnosed for several years.”

Her treatment included surgeries, radiation, medication, and a combination of Western and holistic approaches—ranging from acupuncture and diet changes to spiritual practices such as prayer and visits to Israel.

During treatment, she leaned on affirmations.

“I would repeat, ‘My G-d is near, I have no fear,’ and ‘Think good and it will be good,’” she said.

Today, Schneider is in complete remission.

Throughout the discussion, the speakers shared practical advice with attendees:

• Be your own advocate—ask questions, seek second opinions, and trust your instincts.
• Accept help from others and build a strong support system.
• Stay mentally and physically active when possible.
• Focus on what brings joy and meaning.
• Prepare important documents and reduce unnecessary stress where possible.

They also reminded attendees that life is not always as it appears on social media and that challenges often come with unseen struggles.

“Some days, it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other,” one speaker said.

The event closed with a message of gratitude, perseverance, and hope—encouraging everyone to keep moving forward and appreciate each day.

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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.