DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 17
participants showed up
during the month; some
nights alone had more than
1,000 people. It gets so
crowded that Grobbel warned
parking can be a challenge. If
you’
re going, be sure to arrive
early! They also prefer if
people register in advance so
they can organize volunteers
accordingly.
Last year, more than 800
children and their families
enjoyed the lights from the
inside, not including adults
in the intensive care unit
and other floors who also
appreciated the view. Children
gather in the skywalk every
night to watch and to shine
their flashlights and wave
their glowsticks back at the
crowd.
“The kids absolutely love it,
”
Grobbel said. “When we first
bring them to the window,
they keep asking Why? What
is this? What’
s going on? Then
suddenly, everyone outside
turns on their flashlights
at once and there’
s a whole
sea of twinkling lights. It’
s
so beautiful. They move
in unison, like a wave, it’
s
gorgeous. The kids love
watching it.”
In November 2017, Liz
Schafer of Birmingham left
Beaumont’
s NICU/PICU with
her newborn. Last year, she
brought her kids Alexa, 8, and
Ari, 6, to Moonbeams as part
of a Girl Scouts activity.
“It was special for my kids
because they knew their baby
sister had been in the hospital.
It was also a great opportunity
to teach them gratitude for
their health and compassion
for others,
” Schafer said. “
And
it was an incredible feeling
seeing the kids in the hospital
shine their lights back!”
Beyond families and
groups, fire engines
and police cars from all
neighboring cities show up to
add their lights to the display.
Firefighters raise their ladders
so children can get a thrill
seeing these heroes waving
right at their windows.
This will be the third year
Dana Glasser Gorman of
Novi will be participating.
She came with her
husband, Mike, and children
Max, 15, Jack, 14, and Ty,
6, as well as with friends.
Gorman said some nights
were cold or rainy, but their
slight discomfort was not a
consideration when it came
to supporting these families
who are stuck in the hospital
during the holiday season.
“It’
s moving every single
night,
” Gorman said. “It’
s truly
an amazing event although
we always hope they can
discontinue it because there
won’
t be any sick kids to do
this for.
”
To sign up, go to beaumont.org/
health-wellness/moonbeams.
Dana, Mike, Max, Jack and Ty Gorman and Jillian, Joey, Carson and Cameron
Berger enjoy hot chocolate at Moonbeams last year.
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I’m behind on my
utility bills. Who
can help me get
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Where can I find
a therapist for
my daughter
that accepts my
insurance?
My mom is a
Holocaust survivor.
What help can
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Who knows about
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programs for home
repairs in
Oakland County?
When you’re not sure where
to turn for help, turn to
Lev Detroit, powered by
Jewish Family Service, has both frum and
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guidance, compassion and support to
members of Detroit’s Orthodox community.
Sammie Rosenbloom at 248.592.2244
or srosenbloom@jfsdetroit.org
JFS Resource Center at 248.592.2313
or resourcecenter@jfsdetroit.org