Three Jewish women hitting the catwalk for breast cancer

Three Jewish women are taking to the catwalk to help raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Care.

Amanda Turofsky, Katie Worth and Jodi Wilson are all models in this year’s Breast Cancer Care Fashion Show on Wednesday, 7 October, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

All three have lived through a breast cancer diagnosis and hope their involvement will encourage more Jewish women to become breast aware.

Amanda, 54, from Elstree, was diagnosed in December 2013 during a stressful time. She said: “My husband had collapsed at work and was taken to hospital. He was kept overnight and once I picked him up and took him home, I lay down for a rest and was reading a book when I brushed against my breast and felt something untoward. I immediately visited the doctor and was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a huge shock.”

She said that after the diagnosis she was overwhelmed by the support from her local Jewish community. “I am a member of Radlett United Synagogue and after my diagnosis, the rabbi’s wife came to see me, which I thought was extremely nice as I am not a regular congregant. They invited me to their home to celebrate the Jewish festivals. Although I was not well enough to go, the offer was amazing.”

Amanda is now hoping her congregation will watch her catwalk debut. Katie, from Chigwell, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, recalling it as a bit of a whirlwind experience after finding quite a large lump. After a mammogram, which was inconclusive, she had an ultrasound and biopsy, testing positive for breast cancer.

“It all happened so fast,” she says. “I had the appointment on a Wednesday, on Thursday I was given the results and then on Friday I had a mastectomy. I really had no time to digest the news or think about the fact I had breast cancer.”

Katie, who is a member of Chigwell and Hainault synagogue is looking forward to the event and being made to feel glamourous for the night.

Jodi was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 25 and is keen to spread the message that it does happen to younger men and women. During treatment, she turned to Chai Cancer Care Centre in Hendon.

Like Breast Cancer Care, it provides expert services to any member of the Jewish community affected by cancer, be it a patient, their family or friends.

She said: “I used its counselling services when I was diagnosed and later went there for lymphatic drainage.

Like Breast Cancer Care, they were very supportive and helpful. Even now, they call on a monthly basis to see how I am doing.”

• To book tickets, costing from £75, call 0345 092 0806 or email theshow@breastcancercare.org.uk