Tomorrow, he turns seven. But today, he got something even bigger than a birthday.
After a long, exhausting journey through oncology treatment at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, this brave little boy walked out of the hospital doors, finally going home, empowered with hope, strength, and a brand-new beginning.
And then, something truly beautiful happened.
Another patient in the ward had heard that his birthday was coming up. She asked him a simple question: “What do you wish for?”
He didn’t ask for much, just a bike.
So, when it was time to say goodbye, as they parted ways after sharing such a difficult chapter together, she surprised him with a brand-new bicycle. A gift filled with kindness, understanding, and the quiet bond only those who have walked that path can share.
On the ride home, the Ezer Mizion van driver was overjoyed to share the closing of the circle with the family. Every Wednesday, he brings this little boy’s brothers and sisters to Ezer Mizion for their weekly emotional therapy sessions: gentle, supportive spaces that help them cope with the ripple effects of the illness that has touched and shaken their entire family.
Because cancer doesn’t just affect one child. It holds a whole family in its grip.
And yet—so does love.
Each program provides that love, a cushion for the spirit so entangled in fear and confusion, so shattered and spent.
- Lovely apartments near clinics for families to remain together during the nightmare of treatment
- Professional therapy for patients and family members finding it so difficult to cope
- LegoTherapy, MusicTherapy, ArtTherapy and the all-time favorite, PetTherapy
- Rides to and from the hospital
- Delicious, nutritious meals for the family member staying at the patient’s bedside
- Birthday parties, Bar and Bas Mitzvah celebrations
- Trips and Resort stays
- Jeeping and Helicopter rides
The list goes on and on.
Today, a boy left the hospital.
Tomorrow, he turns seven.
And somewhere between those two moments, a simple bike became a symbol of resilience, generosity, and healing. We wish him a birthday filled with light, strength, and many joyful rides ahead.
Yes, kindness is catchy.
An Ezer Mizion volunteer at Beit Lewenstein Rehab Center joined forces with the students of Bilu School in Ra’anana to bring joy to patients in the pediatric ward who had been suddenly catapulted out of the world of children into a world of trauma. Brain injury and other complex medical events have necessitated long-term rehab to restore independence . No longer are their days marked by spelling bees and games at recess. Instead they are filled with scary machinery, grueling exercises and, pervading it all – the frightening thought of life never being the same.
Under the auspices of Ezer Mizion, the children at Bilu, with a deep understanding that only another child could have, undertook a toy drive to bring joy to children at Beit Lewenstein. With big hearts and even bigger smiles, they raised impressive sums and set out on a buying spree. Their joy, their squeals of delight each time they found a perfect gift could never be equaled by shopping for a toy for themselves.
Then came the Presentation.
The entire medical and therapy team came to meet the students, reminding them just how powerful caring can be and showcasing how much their efforts will mean to the children on the receiving end of their kindness.
A beautiful reminder of the impact of community, compassion, and giving thus imparting these values to the coming generations!
