In northern Israel, families of children undergoing serious treatments must cope with the exhausting emotional journey of illness while living under the shadow of escalation, displacement, and uncertainty. On average, a child battling cancer is hospitalized for an average of 100 days per year, requiring back and forth travel that drains families financially and emotionally. Now, a new home will be created for the families of children undergoing long-term treatments, to stay with their loved ones in a supported environment.
A classroom that does more than just teach
A major challenge faced by sick children and their families is preserving a sense of normalcy and familiar routine. Children with cancer miss many school days, creating an educational gap that not only affects their grades but also their sense of belonging, confidence, and connection to school, friends and teachers. A new smart classroom will be built within the family apartment building, and will enable continued learning that is innovative, accessible, and most importantly, stable. The classroom will integrate smart boards, digital learning aids, and interactive tools that will allow educators to meet the personal needs of each child, contributing to continued education & school connection while children undergo long-term treatments.
The Child & Family Rehab Home in Tzfat
Following on the successful model of other similar “Ronald McDonald” homes, the Child & Family Rehabilitation Home will be a place where families can remain together during serious treatments. They will also receive support from the wonderful care team, who are trained to provide all family members with support during this uncertain and unimaginably difficult chapter. This kind of support for families –outside of the critical life-saving medical treatments their child is undergoing – can be overlooked by hospital facilities that are already at capacity. Programs that support parents and families play an essential role in the family’s overall well-being during and after treatments.
"When I wake up, my brother is next door. He comes to my room to play with me and help me with some school work."
- Ori, 13 years old, undergoing treatment for leukemia
