They’re children. They’re teenagers. Their days are dotted with bike riding and fun with friends. School contests, music lessons, family trips. Even the downs are made easy when shared with classmates. “We have a test every day this week and two on Wednesday! Could you believe it!!!”
Then, for a few, life suddenly comes to a halt. They are catapulted into a horrendous nightmare. A new world. A world of anguish, of torment, of paralyzing fear. A world whose tortures cannot be mitigated by sharing with classmates. A world ruled by a monster named Cancer.
Friends shy away, not knowing how to provide comfort. The parents they have leaned on since birth are suddenly trembling with fear and dread, unable to provide the support so desperately needed by their child.
This is where Ezer Mizion enters the picture. With its caring, know-how and experience, they are able to zero in on just what the patient and his family need. They are everywhere. Professionals, volunteers. In the hospitals, in the patient’s home. Wherever they are needed.
Would you like to take a peek behind the scenes? Here are a few tidbits.
Listen to the sounds at one of the major Israel hospitals. The usual whirr of carts being wheeled, the murmur of nurses as they take vitals, a whimper or two from frightened children and suddenly the tinkle of an ice cream “truck”. An ice cream “truck” in the hospital?! With Ezer Mizion, anything is possible. Frozen treats for our young heroes. A taste of joy for their souls.
Summer camp for the family is part of Ezer Mizion’s broad network of support. It provides a means of family bonding in a relaxed atmosphere with volunteers available to make sure each participant has the most fantastic time. Included is a challenging jeep trip, performances by famous singers and comedians, visits to an amusement park, to the Science-Tech in Haifa, crafts stalls, treats, and gifts. And, of course, the traditional wish ceremony, in which the families write their heartfelt wishes on balloons and let them fly up to the sky.
We try to make hospitalized teenagers happy all year long, but for the summer, we took them out to an indulgent vacation in a villa in Netanya, full of attractions laser tag, an escape room, a workshop for making pizza “just like in Italy,” restaurants, and more and more. The boys experienced hours of fun and happiness that they won’t easily forget.
At Oranit, Israel’s Guest Home for Families dealing with Cancer, professional emotional support is available for all family members. Teens often opt for music therapy. The LegoMan, the PuzzleMan come regularly, crafts, story hour and the all-time favorite, Animal Therapy make Oranit a cheerful refuge after a grueling morning of treatment. Hotel-like suites are provided for those who would have to travel for treatment and assistance is available for all their needs, big and small.
Ezer Mizion cannot cure the cancer but we can be there in a big way for each of our Super Heroes.
