The Chaim Leyeled staff has been working around the clock to
finalize logistical preparations for the organization's
annual summer camp in Switzerland for children suffering from
the lung disease known as CF. This year's camp will be held
at the Post Hotel near Arosa, a crossroads town between St.
Moritz and Chur.
CF patients suffer from shortness of breath, inhibited
breathing, large amounts of phlegm in the lungs and breathing
passages, severe infections and other complications. They
must undergo frequent hospitalization, daily lung treatments
and some very expensive, life-saving drug treatments to
prevent complications.
Doctors around the world agree that a three-week stay in the
unique alpine air of Switzerland gives CF patients dramatic
relief for months. With the blessings of rabbonim, Chaim
Leyeled organizes an annual therapeutic camp in Switzerland
for dozens of CF children and their parents, paid for by
generous donations.
Based on the successes of previous years, many child and
adolescent participants say they "live from `Switzerland' to
`Switzerland.' "
Director R' Reuven Sklar has rented a five-story hotel with
more than 100 beds, two dining rooms, a hall to be used as a
beis knesses, fitness and physiotherapy rooms. Located
near a 4,500-foot peak (1,520M), the area is surrounded by 70
miles (112 km) of walking trails.
The camp will be overseen by HaRav Shmuel Eliezer Stern,
dayan and moreh tzedek in HaRav Wosner's
beis din and the rov of Hatzoloh in Bnei Brak. The
staff includes doctors and physiotherapists who specialize in
pulmonary disorders.
The camp was organized with the assistance of the rov of
Genff, HaRav Eliyohu Yaffe-Schlesinger, who assists the young
patients together with the rebbetzin. He is scheduled to
visit the camp, as is the Israeli ambassador in Switzerland.
The camp has also attracted the attention of many local
journalists.
Several leading Israel figures have offered to lend a hand in
organizing the camp. Transportation Minister Dr. Ephraim Sneh
announced he would assist in organizing transportation, as he
did last year. El-Al, chosen to fly the entire camp, is
making logistical preparations in coordination with travel
agent Michoel Luxenberg.
Following the camp at the end of Av a chanukas habayis
ceremony is scheduled to mark the opening of the
organization's new offices.
