Ezer Mizion Hosts Retreat For Mothers Of Children With Diabetes

 "For once, I was among people who can really understand what I'm dealing with. For once, I could put down my burden - the burden of care, and the equally heavy burden of trying so hard to be normal and never quite getting there."

Ezer Mizion, in cooperation with the Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association, held a retreat geared for religious girls afflicted with juvenile diabetes. Together with their mothers, the girls met at Oranit, Ezer Mizion's Guest Home for Cancer Patients (whose guests were away at Ezer Mizion's summer camp for cancer patients).

Ezer Mizion's "Sweet Retreat" gave mothers a chance to get away from the 24/7 occupation with the illness and realize that "there's life beyond diabetes." It also enabled them to enjoy the emotional reprieve gained from meeting other parents who are dealing with the same challenges and sharing experiences.

As part of the dual goal of providing both useful information and a much needed break, a full itinerary was featured for the mothers that included workshops and lectures by experts on health and nutrition, interspersed with fun and entertainment. At the same time, the youngsters enjoyed arts and crafts activities, a puppet show, a petting zoo, gymbouri activities, water slides, and other exciting events.

A unique aspect of the retreat was the cadre of religious volunteer teenagers who were on the spot to care for the young children who had accompanied the mothers and, most important, to help supervise the diabetic children at their activities. The volunteers were all girls who themselves have juvenile diabetes!  

The mothers, used to being on 24 hour call, felt confident leaving their young ones in care of the volunteers, knowing that they were fully acquainted with the needs and danger signs of children with diabetes. Equally important, just seeing the volunteers in action, lively and giving, was a peek into the future and a vital boost for the diabetic children and their mothers.

The Sweet Retreat was manned by a nurse, emergency medical staff, and other professionals, provided by the Israel Juvenile Diabetes Association. This medical supervisory structure was an integral part of the event. In addition, all the meals were specially tailored for diabetics, and included signs posted listing the carbohydrate count for every dish.

Due to the great success of the retreat and the positive feedback it received, Ezer Mizion will be following up with a full program of support groups, symposiums, and lectures in addition to similar retreats, both for boys and for girls, enabling these youngsters to feel accepted and normal as indeed they should.

For further information contact Simcha Pfeuffer, telephone: 03 614 4419.