• lne 9

bear Women of Hadassah America,

Here in Jerusalem, where I live,
everyone knows Hadassah Medical
Organization. But for me and my family,
Hadassah is special - because Hadassah
saved my life.
I wanted to write you today and tell
you my story because my mom told me
that Hadassah Hospital is struggling and
that you can help. I really hope you will.
When I was just five years old, I
started feeling tired all the time. I
couldn't even make it through my
ballet class. And then, out of nowhere,
my mom found a lump on my neck. I
went to many doctors - but finally, after three
months of appointments and tests - they learned that I had leukemia.
My parents took me to Hadassah Hospital. They knew it was a good place for me .
The first time I went to Hadassah, I was scared. I didn't know what was happening
to me or even why I felt so bad . Right away I had to have several surgeries and many,
many blood tests and treatments. It was hard for me, and it was hard for my mom
and dad.
But the doctors and nurses at Hadassah did everything they could to help me. Every
time I had a treatment, they would explain what was going to happen. There were
clowns who came around to make us laugh. And, of course, there were other children
who were going through the same things I was.
They even had a school for me and the other children, where we would learn and
have fun together. I got to know Arabs, Russians, and Jews. We all helped each other
through this very scary time.
But the best part of Hadassah is that they helped me get better. I can dance and do
sports again. I'm like a new Shahar!
Now I only have to go to Hadassah once a year for check-ups. When I go to Hadassah,
I'm not scared anymore. For me, Hadassah is like home. The doctors and nurses are like
my best friends and I love getting the chance to see them again. When I grow up, I'd
like to be a doctor, so I can help little children in the same way that the doctors and
nurses at Hadassah helped me.
If I could say one thing to Hadassah Hospital, I would say "thank you!" Thank you for
making me better so that I can jump and play and dance at my Bat Mitzvah. I hope you
enjoy the picture I enclosed. I am jumping for joy!

B' Shalom,

Shahar

P.5. And if I could say one thing to you, it would be, please help
this wonderful hospital so they can help more kids like me.

HA
DAS
SAN

October 2014 • Chai Israel 153