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. 

My food stamps 
were cut off. 
Where do I go to
 for help?

My father needs 
more support. Where 
do I even start?

I’m behind on my 
utility bills. Who 
can help me get 
back on track?

Where can I find 
a therapist for 
my daughter 
that accepts my 
insurance?

My mom is a 
Holocaust survivor. 
What help can 
I get her?

Who knows about 
government 
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 
culturally knowledgeable staff to provide 
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