Breast Cancer Survivor Samantha’s Healing Journey at Sheba Medical Center

Samantha transformed her breast cancer diagnosis into a journey of healing. Confronting the same disease that claimed her mother, she found strength in expert care and a supportive community—captured in her Side By Side exhibition, which honors Sheba’s doctors, caregivers, and fellow patients.

In January 2024, Samantha received her breast cancer diagnosis, recalling the loss of her mother when Samantha was eight. Yet she felt prepared: “I was ready.” Hearing her cancer was treatable marked “a turning point,” she said. “I knew I just needed to move through it.”

Choosing Sheba Medical Center for Breast Cancer Treatment

Samantha connected immediately with Dr. Opher Globus at Mirpa’at Nitzan after extensive testing. Choosing Sheba felt right. She endured eight chemotherapy rounds, four AC followed by four Taxol, supported by Yaara Stav, a companion at Sheba’s Unit for Young Cancer Patients:

“I was met by Yaara. She was really great. It was very nice to have her come and just introduce herself and tell us about all the services that they offer and the support. And she continued to be a support throughout the duration of the treatments.”

Her final surgery came in September 2024. Today, Samantha manages fatigue, muscle pain, and medication side effects while continuing to heal.

“Side By Side” Photography Exhibition at Sheba

As a professional portrait photographer, Samantha documented her Sheba experience through “Side By Side,” showcasing caregivers, doctors, and patients. The exhibition reveals the human side of Sheba’s Oncology Institute.

Featured portraits include Dr. Globus, her treating physician. Another of Yaara, who shared:

“This job has given me strength and a deep love for life. Every patient I accompany finds a place in my heart, and a special personal bond is formed.”

Samantha also captured Avi Kroyn, a fellow patient with blood cancer and a brain tumor: “My name is Avi. I’m a blacksmith, wood artist, and painter—born to ride motorcycles. I’m also living with blood cancer and a brain tumor. For the past two years, I’ve been a frequent visitor to Sheba Medical Center, spreading optimism among the medical staff and fellow patients.”

Through her lens, Samantha reveals Sheba’s essence: “I think it’s about seeing beyond, because I was able to see the people around me and to appreciate everything that was there. And there’s always so much more, always more than what we are noticing.”

Advice for Breast Cancer Patients

Samantha urges those starting cancer treatment to seek and accept help: “Reach for help, like practical help, because that’s just something that is extremely helpful and supportive to allow others to help you. People want to help, even people that are not necessarily your friend. It can be neighbors, the school community, or whoever it is, people really do want to help but you need to allow it to happen.”

Samantha’s experience proves cancer battles are never fought alone, through world-class treatment, caregiver compassion, and community.