A Resilient Woman’s Remarkable Breast Health Journey

In 1996, Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Jerusalem was part of an international collaboration that discovered a correlation between the BRCA gene mutation and Ashkenazi Jewish women. According to their research, that community had at least a 10 times greater frequency of the BRCA gene mutation. The BRCA gene mutation—tied to increased cancer risk—is 1 in 40 for Ashkenazi Jewish women compared to 1 in 400 for the rest of the population. Following this ground-breaking discovery of the connection, which had a worldwide impact on breast cancer management, HMO developed a simple blood test to detect the presence of these genes.

Hadassah Southern California member Kimberly (“Kim”) Wallis Licht is part of a three-generation Hadassah Life Member family. A working actress recognizable from her appearances on “Fresh off the Boat,” “Switched at Birth,” “Parenthood” and “CSI: New York,” among others, she is also a wife and mother. As a woman of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage with a grandmother who died of ovarian cancer, Kim has always been on high alert to the effects of the BRCA gene and its implications for breast health. Hadassah Magazine’s ongoing coverage of HMO’s pioneering BRCA gene research and current trends in breast health kept Kim updated on the risks of carrying the BRCA gene.

According to Dr. Tamar Peretz, Director of Sharett Institute of Oncology at Hadassah Hospital, “This mutation in the BRCA gene predisposes one to the development not only of breast cancer, but also the development of ovarian, colon, pancreatic cancer and other diseases.” Peretz cautions, “How genetic predisposition affects treatment is critical.” HMO’s threepronged approach, led by Dr. Peretz, focuses on the role inherited traits play in developing breast cancer; the specific biology of each tumor to better tailor therapy, and diagnosing cancer through blood samples rather than invasive biopsies.

In 2013, both Kim and her mother tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. After her mother’s positive diagnosis, Kim was philosophical and pragmatic about her own results. “I hoped for the best but was prepared for the worst.” Hadassah’s breast cancer education programs in Southern California kept Kim well-informed of HMO’s ground-breaking research in breast cancer, the importance of genetic counseling before genetic testing and the treatment options available to her. The presence of the BRCA2 gene, combined with her family history of ovarian cancer, made Kim a candidate for preventative surgery.

In 2015, Kim had a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction—a total of three surgeries in four months. “I needed to be strong, resolved and resilient. With two young children, you just want everything to come out okay.”

Today, Kim is a healthy, optimistic and energized warrior in the battle against breast cancer. “I feel stronger now than I have ever felt in my life,” enthuses Kim, who now calls herself a breast cancer “pre-vivor.” “Yes, it was an incredible challenge but I have no regrets, and the courage and strength I was able to show my daughter was truly empowering for me. Thank you, Hadassah, for providing me the research and the proactive information on early detection, genetic counseling and treatment to enable me to walk through this life-changing experience.”

HMO is examining specific changes in an individual’s DNA that are characteristic of aggressive breast tumors. HMO Senior Oncologist Dr. Aviad Zick is the DNA of tumor cells that circulate in a person’s blood to identify certain markers that can alert us to dangerous mutations. “Treatment of early breast cancer leads to a cure in more than 90% of patients,” states Dr. Zick.

Dr. Peretz cautions, “Newly diagnosed patients and those carrying the mutated gene face a bewildering array of treatment options and opinions. This will change. Treatment will become increasingly personalized, structured according to the many factors involved, from genetic to emotional. Decisions will be easier, and the results will improve.”

Kim lives with her husband, Jeremy Licht, and their two children in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.

To learn more about Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., and the Hadassah Medical Organization, visit us at hadassah.org/LA.

“Treatment of early stage breast cancer leads to a cure in more than 90% of patients.” —HADASSAH MEDICAL ORGANIZATION SENIOR ONCOLOGIST DR. AVIAD ZICK