An international enterprise was orchestrated by Rabbi Avrohom
Elimelech Firrer, chairman of the Ezra UMarpeh Federation,
who flew a world-renowned invasive-radiology expert to Israel
in order to conduct an extremely rare medical treatment.
The drama involved a patient who suffered from a large
aneurysm of the aorta. Such an aneurysm spells immediate
death for the patient, who was referred to Rabbi Firrer by
the doctors of Haifa's Rambam Hospital.
After examining all of the medical information, Rabbi Firrer
advised that the patient be treated with a new method
developed by Dr. Deik, a world-renowned expert in invasive-
radiology from Stanford Hospital of the United States. This
non-surgical treatment is administered by the insertion of a
special stand [supporter] into the main aorta, in order to
"change" the area of the aneurysm, to strengthen the walls of
the aorta, and to prevent its tearing.
He explained to the patient that regular surgical treatment
is very risky, and might even end in death. Even if
successful, it is liable to cripple the lower part of the
body. However, the new treatment is not conducted in Israel,
and very few doctors throughout the world know how to
administer it.
Since the danger of moving the patient is very great in such
cases, Rabbi Firrer suggested that Dr. Deik be brought to
Israel. After locating him, he asked him to come to
Israel.
In the meantime, X-rays of the aneurysm were sent to Dr. Deik
so that he could build the stand in accordance with the inner
width of the aorta. At the same time, Rabbi Firrer arranged
for all of the official permits needed to enable the doctor
from abroad to administer the medical treatment in Israel,
and to use the special stand, in compliance with Israeli
regulations.
Rabbi Firrer made arrangements with Professor Morag's
department at Sheba Hospital of Tel Hashomer for doctors to
assist in administering the treatment. The doctors of the
department were happy to have the opportunity to observe so
rare a treatment, administered by so great an expert. Kupat
Cholim Meuchedet, to which the patient belongs, agreed to
cover the costs of the construction of the stand and the
medical treatment, and even thanked Rabbi Firrer for having
secured the treatment at 20% less than what it would have
cost had it been administered in the United States.
Last Tuesday, Dr. Deik arrived in Israel. He was greeted at
the airport by Rabbi Firrer and his assistant, Rabbi Refoel
Wolf, and together the three set out for Ezra UMarpeh's
offices.
The necessary preparations were completed, and the special
invasive treatment was successfully conducted the very next
day without any complications. Now, the patient is healthy
and the serious danger to his life has passed.
This past Thursday, Dr. Deik parted from Rabbi Firrer very
warmly. A organization volunteer overheard the doctor telling
his wife on the phone about Rabbi Firrer's remarkable
hospitality. He also heard the doctor say: "This is my first
time in Israel. I have never seen such people in my life.
Rabbi Firrer's knowledge in medicine is incredible."
Before leaving, Dr. Deik promised that he and his colleagues
would come to Israel whenever Rabbi Firrer called them, even
to assist Ezra UMarpeh's special Department for Second
Medical Opinions. He said that after this experience in
Israel, he would be happy to share his expertise with
Israel's sick people.
Rabbi Firrer and Ezra UMarpeh have saved another Jew, and
have once more made a kiddush Hashem.
