A group of fifty seriously ill young cancer and dialysis
patients returned to Israel two weeks ago after enjoying a
unique camp in the United States. Lev Malka, an organization
active in many medical and chessed activities,
organized this unique camp.
The young patients met with top American doctors who studied
the children's treatments and suggested additional options
for coping with their illnesses where they were
warranted.
This year's camp was initiated by the parents of a child who
had participated in a similar camp last year and had been
greatly helped by the organization. This child's condition
has greatly improved, and today he has received a clean bill
of health. After consulting organization rabbonim, it was
decided to hold the camp again this year for it improves
both the physical and emotional health of the children.
The trip involved complicated arrangements, including
hotels, kosher facilities, and the appointments with
specialists.
The children and their parents visited the Kosel right
before the trip, where they beseeched Hashem for a full
recovery. On motzei Shabbos, 18 Shevat, the children
boarded the plane, and left for the United States with
hearts full of hope The group was warmly welcomed by the
staff and security personnel of Continental Airlines.
The group was greeted in America by a musical band, and a
group of New Yorkers who danced and entertained the
children. A number of United States senators also greeted
the children; children from New York brought them
presents.
The children began medical examinations on Sunday, and
between one blood test and another, went out to play in a
nearby park. Throughout the day, they were visited by
American rabbonim. The following week, a group of children
went to Boston to undergo tests to determine the treatment
options available for them in the United States. One child
was advised to undergo treatment in Boston at a place
specializing in his type of cancer. After discussing the
issue with his parents, it was decided to keep the boy there
with his family coming from Israel under the sponsorship of
Lev Malka.
The children also visited the amusement park in Orlando.
When the group returned to Eretz Yisroel, the Ben Gurion
Airport authorities allowed the Lev Malka volunteers and the
children's families to welcome them outside of the plane
rather than have to wait for them in the terminal.
Rabbi Aharon Berman, chairman of Lev Malka, was very pleased
by the results of the camp, and by the fact that the
children returned energized and strengthened in their will
to live. He announced that another camp would be held on
Purim in Jerusalem for a group of children who couldn't join
the trip to America because of their condition at the
time.
