With a Heart of Gold

More than a year ago, my now ten-year-old grandson was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma (tumor). Although in its early stages it seemed that it was stable, that has unfortunately not continued to be the case; the tumor continued to grow and was affecting him. It was causing numerous side-effects, and subjecting him and his family more and more to the fear of the unknown about what the furthering of this progression might mean for his and their lives ahead.

After numerous medical consultations and further testing by ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, oncologists, and neurosurgeons, these medical professionals concluded that they needed to perform an extremely sensitive, long, and dangerous operation to try and remove whatever is medically and physically possible. The surgery was performed at the end of February 2019. It was successful in that more than 90% of the tumor was removed, but there are after-effects that need to be addressed with ongoing physical therapy and further monitoring. This will go on for at least another year and probably more.

Needless to say we need continued prayers to the Almighty to have mercy and help the ongoing treatment to be as successful and effective as possible. Thankfully, there are significant financial savings to the family due to the fact that they have an excellent health insurance plan which is reasonably priced, and has been extending coverage for many of the costs. During the last year alone, the actual price of medical expenses that the insurance company was responsible for amounted to a total of over $237,000.00.

Now as they begin another year of medical uncertainties and the unforeseen future lies ahead, there are new expenses that feel insurmountable. It seems like the beginning of another year where the financial burdens continue to accrue, and the emotional distress that this causes them is overbearing, unimaginable, and almost unbearable. My grandson may possibly need further surgeries, especially if the tumor begins to grow again. As they turn their hearts to the Master of the world, they also turn their hearts to all of Klal Yisrael who are able to help. They continue to ask that for support in these difficult times, to continue to help ease their load as they fight, battle, and struggle with life itself. 

Please continue to help this family of 10 to raise the necessary funds to support these and all of its past and future medical initiatives. Help them be able to treat their child with the full attention and medical care that he needs so that they can provide him with the greatest possible chance of survival.

“In the merit of righteousness (Charity), Zion (Jerusalem) will be redeemed”
-- Yeshayahu 1:27