By Tori Ashman | November 12, 2025
When Tori Ashman first stepped onto a Mamanet court, she expected little more than a casual game of catch—a recreational distraction from the demands of motherhood. She arrived with a messy bun, a standard water bottle, and a singular, modest ambition: to play without breaking a nail. What she encountered instead was a high-octane sisterhood, a group of women who treated the recreational league with the gravity of the Olympics.
Little did she know that the camaraderie forged between these teammates—a community defined by laughter, coordinated warm-ups, and fierce mutual support—would eventually become the bedrock of her survival. When Ashman was diagnosed with Stage 1B invasive ductal carcinoma in February 2023, the league that had once been a casual hobby transformed into a vital lifeline. Alongside the clinical expertise and emotional scaffolding provided by Sharsheret, the national organization supporting those facing breast and ovarian cancer, Ashman’s story highlights the profound intersection of community resilience and medical advocacy.
The Chronology of a Diagnosis: From Routine Screening to Clinical Reality
Ashman’s journey began with a milestone many women approach with a mix of apprehension and duty: turning forty. She describes the act of booking her first mammogram as a standard, responsible chore. However, the initial screening yielded an unexpected request: “We just need a few more images.”
For many, the subsequent hours are filled with a surreal sense of detachment. Ashman recalls a brief flicker of humor—wondering if her breasts were simply “photogenic”—before the clinical reality set in. When a doctor calls back within two hours of a screening, it is rarely to deliver good news. What followed was a taxing cycle of secondary scans, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Initially, the results were benign, leading to a lumpectomy. Yet, the reprieve was temporary. For years, the cycle of medical surveillance repeated, a “terrible subscription box” of anxiety and clinical appointments that many women in the high-risk category know all too well.
In February 2023, the cycle finally yielded a definitive diagnosis: Stage 1B invasive ductal carcinoma. At that pivotal moment, Ashman turned to Sharsheret, an organization that has supported over 275,000 women and families nationwide.
Sharsheret: A Safety Net for the Unseen Struggles
Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) is more than a non-profit; it serves as a critical bridge between medical diagnosis and daily living. For Ashman, the organization provided more than just information; it provided a roadmap for navigating the emotional and logistical chaos of cancer.
The organization’s scope is extensive, offering peer support, genetic counseling, and financial guidance. Perhaps most uniquely, they provide “Busy Boxes”—curated activity kits designed to help children cope while their parents undergo treatment. For Ashman, whose daughter was profoundly impacted by the diagnosis, these resources provided a measure of normalcy when she felt unable to provide it herself.
“They don’t just answer your questions—they hold your hand through every scan, every test, and every sleepless night,” Ashman explains. By connecting her with women of similar age and diagnosis, Sharsheret mitigated the isolation that often accompanies cancer treatment. The staff, clinicians, and even Board members checked in with her with a level of intimacy that transcended the typical patient-provider relationship, reminding her that she was not a statistic, but a person with a story to be preserved.
Community in Motion: The Mamanet Effect
While the clinical support of Sharsheret provided the foundation, the social fabric of Mamanet provided the daily motivation to keep fighting. In a testament to the power of non-traditional support systems, Ashman’s teammates did not merely offer condolences; they took action.
The team dedicated an entire night of play to her recovery, holding a match in her honor. The gesture was emblematic of the Mamanet culture: a group of women who show up with the same intensity for their friends’ crises as they do for a championship point. Throughout her recovery, the team provided gifts, donations, and a constant stream of communication that served as a buffer against the physical and psychological toll of treatment.
Ashman notes that the healing she experienced was not purely biological; it was social. The bruises of the court were replaced by the emotional weight of treatment, but the friendship of her teammates provided the endurance necessary to face the chemotherapy and recovery periods.
The Imperative of Early Detection: Data and Implications
Ashman’s message to other women is stark and urgent: “Get your mammogram.” The data overwhelmingly supports her plea. Breast cancer, when detected in its localized, early stages, carries a five-year survival rate of approximately 99%.
Key Implications for Women’s Health:
- Normalization of Screening: Fear and the busyness of modern life are the primary enemies of early detection. Viewing a mammogram as a standard part of health maintenance—rather than a source of potential trauma—can shift the trajectory of the disease.
- The Role of Support Networks: Clinical outcomes are often influenced by the patient’s support system. Organizations like Sharsheret prove that emotional, peer-to-peer support is as critical as surgical intervention.
- The "Busy" Trap: Many women delay screenings due to perceived lack of time. As Ashman notes, early detection doesn’t just save lives—it saves "normalcy." By catching the disease early, patients maintain the ability to continue their daily routines, attend practices, and participate in family life.
A Legacy of Strength: Reflections on Survival
Reflecting on her journey, Ashman emphasizes that the defining moments were not the tests or the treatments, but the people who anchored her. She speaks of her mother, her primary cheerleader; her father, who mapped the hospitals of the tri-state area; and her sister, a fellow warrior currently battling Stage 4 breast cancer.
Her sister’s resilience became a source of fuel for Ashman’s own recovery. This multi-generational struggle underscores a broader reality: cancer is not a solitary event. It is a family experience, a community challenge, and a test of endurance.
“This experience taught me that true strength comes from community,” Ashman says. “Together, we are strong. We are survivors. We are sisters. And none of us ever have to play this game alone.”
Looking Forward: How to Access Help
The lesson of Tori Ashman’s experience is clear: the weight of a diagnosis is lessened when shared. Whether you are facing a new diagnosis, dealing with a high-risk family history, or simply grappling with anxiety regarding your health, the necessity of professional and community support cannot be overstated.
Sharsheret remains a beacon for those in the Jewish community and beyond who find themselves at a crossroads. By offering a network of peers who understand the nuanced fears of treatment, alongside clinical expertise, they ensure that the path through cancer is never traveled in isolation.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by breast or ovarian cancer, or if you want to learn more about your risk, reach out to Sharsheret today at [email protected]. Because no one should face cancer alone—and with Sharsheret, you never will.
Supporting Data on Early Detection
- The 99% Statistic: According to the American Cancer Society, if breast cancer is caught in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
- Preventative Screening: Regular mammography can identify cancers up to two years before they are palpable, allowing for less invasive treatments and higher success rates.
- Peer Support Impact: Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggest that patients who engage with support groups or peer-mentoring programs report lower levels of depression and higher adherence to treatment protocols.
As Tori Ashman continues her life, back on the court and surrounded by her family, her story serves as a reminder of the power of vigilance and the necessity of community. The game of life is demanding, but as Ashman proves, you don’t have to play it alone.
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