Main fundraiser photo

Internship: Career Israel 5-Month Program

Donation protected
It was already written at birth that I would be different. A normal child is born with ten toes and all of his bones and muscles in place. I, on the contrary, I was born with three toes and missing my tibia bone and parts of my fibula. My father had to make a difficult choice: watch his son grow, struggling to walk, then confined to a wheelchair, or amputate his only son’s right leg at ten months old. At a little less than one year old I became a below-the-knee amputee, and so my journey began.

My dad was a single dad, and he worked long hours as a Registered Nurse for an agency in order to support me and my grandmother. Those long hours put food on the table and clothes on my back. My mother a Jewish American taxi-driver from the rural-suburbs of Long Island, worked countless hours to support herself and my two brothers, to provide for us as well. 

Following my father’s passing, I had a burning desire to be the best version of myself. Which led me to countless days and nights training alone, paying my way to compete in events across the island and even the country. Ive volunteered my time at camps, and participated in speaking engagements with various non-profit organizations where I began sharing my story with others. 

Growing up, my best friend introduced me to my jewish identity. His family adopted me as one their own sons and at seventeen years of age I was able to explore more of my jewish identity by attending Taglit birthright. Following my, birthright experience I participated in a more intensive program sponsored by Aish Hatorah, where I began to feel deeply connected to not only the culture of Israel but to wanting to make a more influential impact on a place that felt like home to me. 

I have been accepted to an internship program through Masa: Career Israel, where I will be working with either a youth basketball organization committed to promoting co-existence in Israel, or a Professional Israeli Basketball team focused on strength and conditioning. Not only do I wish to further my professional development but also immerse myself in Israeli culture, and further my spiritual connection to the country. 

Unfortunately, due to COVID - 19 my finances have been an issue and being that my grandmother is my sole guardian I must ask for help. Fortunately, I have been able to, with help of my family, friends and the Masa grant program raise a portion of the tuition, there is a remaining balance of $4610  to cover tuition that I must raise myself. 

It is very uncomfortable for me to ask, but I need your help to make this a reality. Any amount you want to donate to help me is greatly appreciated. You can do it via this Go Fund Me page.
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $36
    • 4 yrs
  • Natalie Henriquez
    • $40
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $25
    • 5 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 5 yrs
  • Marc Werner
    • $200
    • 5 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Jovan Booker
Organizer
Cutchogue, NY

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee