“We sat with little Miriam in our arms, waiting for the test results. We were exhausted and worn out after a grueling journey full of question marks, just hoping to escape the strange planet we’d suddenly landed on and return to the blessed routine we had always known.
“Then a nurse approached us, all smiles and dripping sweetness. In her hands was a furry teddy bear, which she handed to Miriam with a look full of compassion. That was the moment I felt stormy waves approaching the peaceful island of our lives. I understood that behind the teddy bear and the smile lay a painful secret. And indeed, the harsh news struck us sharply: Leukemia
“After a few days in the hospital ward, the department head connected us with the organization ‘Ezer Mizion,’ and that’s how we met Eti, who was so kind to us and declared she was there for anything we could possibly need—from help in the hospital, to cleaning the house, meals, babysitting, and even organizing birthdays.
“After a month of hospitalization, ‘Ezer Mizion’ organized a trip for us to Netanya. We rode in a luxurious van, sat on the beach, and for a few hours felt like a regular family again. They even gave us a family membership to the Biblical Zoo, which added to our wonderful family experiences. It was a huge gift for us, and Miriam occasionally joined the family outings and enjoyed every moment of those sweet hours spent together.”
“From time to time, we also relied on Ezer Mizion for Shabbat meals, which arrived with amazing quality, from start to finish.
“On our daughter Tirza’s tenth birthday, the organization sent her gifts and refreshments. Zehavi’s bat mitzvah came right after Miriam’s bone marrow transplant, and I wasn’t capable of organizing an event. ‘Ezer Mizion’ arranged a perfect celebration at our home: they sent volunteers who styled my daughters’ hair beautifully, delivered gourmet food of a level we’d never experienced, set a lavish table, created a professional slideshow, sent a stunning balloon arrangement, and even came to clean up afterward. Zehavi felt like a princess. It was the most beautiful bat mitzvah we’d ever celebrated for any of our daughters, and in the midst of all the challenges, pain, and fear the children were experiencing at the time, that party gave them—and us—a special joy.”
Sara also fondly remembers the retreat organized by ‘Ezer Mizion,’ which hosted families of sick children. “The kids felt we weren’t the only ‘unfortunate’ ones—that there were other families facing the same complex challenge. We enjoyed a hotel we’d never have treated ourselves to, and were pampered beyond imagination, with activities and experiences around the clock. We were able to decompress after the difficult ordeal we’d been through and were filled with strength to continue.”
Little Miriam has grown up. She comes home from kindergarten with a radiant smile and a folder full of artwork. Her sweet songs and infectious laughter fill the house with an unmatched magic.
“I don’t have the words to fully express my gratitude for the support we received,” Sara says with emotion. “How much strength it gave us, how much hope and encouragement. We felt that everyone united in care for our baby.”
