Wheelchair for Mati

I am writing on behalf of my dear friend, Malki Ben-David, whose granddaughter is a paraplegic and needs a new wheelchair. This is her story:

As many of you know, I have a 6 year old granddaughter, Mati Weiss, who lives now is Israel.

Mati is a bright, happy, funny, beautiful little girl. She is also a paraplegic. (And yes, it is strange and awkward to write that out.)

5 years ago, on her first birthday, her family brought Mati here to the U.S. for surgery: she had a tumor pressing on her spine. The treatment was Baruch Hashem successful; it saved her life. But the damage left her paralysed.

While her body is paralysed, Mati's spirit is not: at 17 months she was adept at manipulating her chair; she got intensive therapy back in Israel and through divine providence was accepted to the premier rehabilitative school in Jerusalem. She learned to walk and bend down and maneuver while wearing braces from waist down. She is very nimble. She is now in first grade in regular school with a shadow, and has friends who look past her challenges.

Last summer Mati participated in an incredible wheelchair dance concert organized by a club she belongs to for girls with various challenges. The concert included costumes, professional choreography and partners. It was so special that even the mayor of Bnei Brak attended. The joy on her face and the radiant spirits of all the girls that filled the room that day was overwhelming.

Fortunately, Mati is growing and developing despite her difficulties. Unfortunately, the wheelchair and braces that enable her to lead a happy and active life do not grow with her.

Saying the word paraplegic is hard, and so is asking for help. But the next round of equipment Mati needs will cost at least $10,000, an amount that is overwhelming for our family. We are hoping our community will rally and help raise the funds needed to keep Mati active and healthy.


Thank you in advance for any support you can offer.