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16 January 5 • 2017 Editor's Note: Lindsey Finsilver passed away Dec. 18. Her obituary can be found on page 50. A cancer diagnosis is shocking and often uproots the lives of the patient and family members. They face new challenges and often find special strengths as was the case for the Finsilver family. Lindsey Finsilver, 44, of Bloomfield Hills was physically active, energetic and busy taking care of her family when persistent abdominal pain sent her to a doctor five years ago. She was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix — a rare cancer that affects only 700 to 1,000 Americans each year. Lindsey and her husband, Brett, 42, learned treatments were limited and that the best option to extend her life was hyperthermic intraperi- toneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Cytoreduction is a major sur- gery to remove all visible cancer and associated organs, which is immediately followed by HIPEC, a two-hour infusion of a heated chemotherapy agent into the abdo- men to eliminate any remaining microscopic cancer cells. "It is known as one of the three toughest surgeries you can have," Brett said. While a local hospital offered the surgery, it did not have a comprehensive HIPEC pro- gram so the Finsilvers sought treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, well-known for HIPEC and appendix can- cer treatment. The first step was a difficult 3½-month period of standard chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, which Lindsey under- went locally. Then she and Brett, along with her par- ents, Robert and Leslie Jacobs, other family members and a close friend, traveled to Pittsburgh where Lindsey underwent a gru- eling 14-hour surgery. She then spent five days in intensive care and almost a month in the hospital, followed by an additional sur- gery and a long recovery at home. Lindsey was asked to share her experi- ences at a 2014 Mincha Moments Yom Kippur service at Temple Israel (available online), where the Finsilvers are members. With clarity and strength, Lindsey described her life since finishing her last chemotherapy treatment in 2012. "When everyone has done their job and you're alone, then it's up to you to put your life back together, and it took 1½ years," she explained, describing the after-effects of joint pain, neuropathy and memory loss. "I had strength I never knew I had and felt tremendously lucky throughout this ordeal for the fam- ily and friends who gave me the strength to get through it." Lindsey was a regular exerciser, and a local spinning studio wanted to hold a fundraiser in her honor. Brett said they weren't certain whether the funds should be used to help families go to Pittsburgh for treatment or in some other way. Friends who own the Grand Traverse Pie Company and Orangetheory Fitness also raised money. BRINGING HIPEC HERE Lindsey fervently wished a HIPEC pro- gram could be available in the Detroit area to help patients without the family and other resources needed for treatment in Pittsburgh. Brett's parents, Shari and Stanley Finsilver, were involved with Henry Ford Hospital, where there was interest in estab- lishing a comprehensive HIPEC program. The Finsilvers met and developed a close relationship with David S. Kwon, M.D., head of surgery at Henry Ford Hospital. "For the longest time, there wasn't a treatment for appendix cancer," Kwon said. "HIPEC can significantly extend life and can be curative in properly chosen patients. "The surgery is extremely, extremely risky, and you need a cadre of team members and resources. The patient may lose a lot of organs and may need a psychology team, ICU team, specialized nurses, physical thera- py and ostomy education." Kwon said the procedure is now being used for additional cancers, including cer- tain forms of gastric, colon and gynecologic cancers. In 2014, the Finsilvers invited a group of potential donors — friends and family members — to a fundraiser on behalf of the planned Henry Ford HIPEC program. When Lindsey's cancer recurred, the event was postponed until earlier this year. In addition, Henry Ford Hospital set up a Team Finsilver 2016 component of their Game for Cancer fundraising efforts to provide a public plat- form for donations. Contributions from the business donors, friends and family now total close to $1.5 million and will be used for a specialized HIPEC medical team and equipment at Henry Ford Hospital. Kwon said the HIPEC team, which is expected to total about 30, is almost finalized and the equipment that delivers chemo- therapy is lined up. In addition to providing surgery and extensive post-surgical care, he said the HIPEC specialists will set up clinical trials for the procedure. "Lindsey is extremely happy this is com- ing to fruition," Brett said earlier this month. "She is excited about the team in place. She is excited people here can have the same treatment she did in Pittsburgh." Kwon said, "Without someone like Lindsey, with her generosity, this wouldn't have taken off. She was an amazing, resilient woman." * The Henry Ford HIPEC program expects to begin treat- ing patients during the first half of 2017. To donate to the program, visit http://henryford.com/finsilver or go to the Team Finsilver page of the Game on Cancer Facebook. Dr. David Kwon 16 January 5 • 2017 Elayne Gross Lindsey and Brett Finsilver with their children, Charles "Charlie," 12, and Francesca "Frankie," 10 Help For Others Family's caring will bring a new, comprehensive cancer treatment to Detroit. metro» Shari S. Cohen | Contributing Writer Temple Beth El will present famed jurist and author Alan Dershowitz speaking on "What do the next four years mean for American Jews and our relationship with Israel?" on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Bloomfield Township synagogue. A pre-glow patron event at 6 p.m. includes wine, hors d'oeuvres and a chance to spend time with Dershowitz. Limited availability, $500 per person. Register no later than Jan. 13. For more information, contact Danielle Gordon at (248) 851-1100 or dgordon@tbeonline.org. * Israel Will Be Dershowitz's Topic At Beth El Temple Shir Shalom is sponsoring its seventh annual Chicken Soup Cook- Off from noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Corners, 2075 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Matzo Ball and Chicken Noodle soups dominate the cook-off, but expect to sample other unique cre- ations. Restaurants, individuals and families will be vying for awards for "Best Chicken Noodle," "Best Matzo Ball" and "Best Contemporary Chicken Soup." Also, there will be a "People's Choice Award" and a "Best Decorated Table Award." Guests do the voting as well as a team of judges. "This is a fun opportunity to bring together not only our congregants, but also the general public," said Rabbi Daniel Schwartz, who originated the soup contest. "This is a great cause and the opportunity to raise money for charitable organizations is a privilege." Proceeds benefit I Am My Bother's Keeper Ministries: Detroit Homeless Shelter, Young Adult Group of Shir Shalom, Shir Shalom religious school scholarships, and Team Alex & Make- A-Wish. Last year, more than 500 people attended and more than $5,000 was raised. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, with children age 4 and under free — or $15 for a family. For advance tickets, contact Terri Cooper, Rebecca Bershad or Rabbi Daniel Schwartz at (248) 737-8700 or email cookoff@shirshalom.org. * Shir Shalom Hosts Soup Cook-Off