Share Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem unveiled a new exhibit in the foyer of the New Helmsley Cancer Center showcasing the strength of 20 women, who are currently in remission from Breast Cancer and have undergone mastectomy procedures. The name of the exhibit is called “Always A Woman.”
This exhibit carries a message of strength and hope, as dozens of women will walk by and see the bravery of others who have been on similar journeys. The Helmsley Cancer Center was designed to “promote hope and view of a better future” for the women occupying its space. It does this by utilizing opportunities such as this exhibit, led by curator Inna Lessin, a Breast Cancer survivor.
Eight years ago, after receiving her Cancer diagnosis, Inna Lessin was told she would require a Mastectomy surgery. The night before her surgery, she recalls looking for photos of women who had also experienced the lifesaving procedure, but unfortunately, she couldn’t find any. Inna decided that if she made it to the other side of her Cancer journey, she would work to set up an exhibit for other women experiencing the emotional journey created by a Cancer diagnosis. Inna saw this as an opportunity to fill a void by providing like-minded women with a visual indication of what she was lacking at that moment as she prepared to undergo her Mastectomy surgical procedure. Inna hopes that the exhibit will provide hope, strength and inspire confidence in women impacted by Breast Cancer. Inna’s surgical procedure was a success, and she entered remission. During this time, she met 18 women who were Breast Cancer survivors and agreed to be photographed because they, too, shared Inna’s vision of hope and emotional support.
At the opening of the exhibit, the Director of the Breast Tumour Unit Prof. Hadar Goldwasser and Dr. Yahali Miller, Director of the Breast Surgery Unit at Shaare Zedek highlighted the importance of this exhibit to boost the morale of their patients. Every female patient has some unique experience and journey to conquer the disease. Still, the beauty of the images can be interpreted by everyone, no matter what language they speak, or what background they come from. The message is clear: You are “Always A Woman” no matter what you’ve been through, and you can still live your life because you’re not alone.
