Enjoyed life until the end
Hannah's story
1. Israel, ZM volunteer shares:
I first met Hannah just before the beginning of the winter Chanukah camp. She was 23 years old and not enthusiastic about joining us, but I finally succeeded in persuading her.
Our director, Chaim Ehrenthal, went himself to bring her to the plane, and the results of our efforts and her experiences at camp shocked us all. Hannah, who barely spoke before joining us, began to smile, rejoice, and blossom.
In the 18 months that followed, Hannah and her mother, who cared for her with incredible devotion, strengthened their connection with Zichron Menachem. We were there for both of them.
1. המתנדב, ישראל מספר:
I first met Hannah just before the beginning of the winter Chanukah camp. She was 23 years old and not enthusiastic about joining us, but I finally succeeded in persuading her.
Our director, Chaim Ehrenthal, went himself to bring her to the plane, and the results of our efforts and her experiences at camp shocked us all. Hannah, who barely spoke before joining us, began to smile, rejoice, and blossom.
In the 18 months that followed, Hannah and her mother, who cared for her with incredible devotion, strengthened their connection with Zichron Menachem. We were there for both of them.
Israel's story
""Hannah's life is in your hands, and if you succeed in bringing her to the camp and bring her spirits back to life, you will save her!"
2. A matter of life
Then Hannah's condition greatly deteriorated. For more than two months, she refused to eat, drink or receive medical treatment, and was depressed and desperate. A week before spring camp I came to visit. She did not respond to my arrival.
"Hannah, do you want to stay here?" I asked. She signalled no.
"Do you want to come with us to camp?"
“Yes!” she said.
Not that I knew how we would do it. But when I got out of the ward, the chief nurse came over to me.
"Hannah's life is in your hands, and if you succeed in bringing her to the camp and bring her spirits back to life, you will save her,” he said.
I have been volunteering in Zichron Menachem for eight years and I never heard comments like that from any medical person. It was a tremendous jolt. I got the camp staff together and informed them that in this camp our flagship project was Hannah, and it must succeed.
2. A matter of life
Then Hannah's condition greatly deteriorated. For more than two months, she refused to eat, drink or receive medical treatment, and was depressed and desperate. A week before spring camp I came to visit. She did not respond to my arrival.
"Hannah, do you want to stay here?" I asked. She signalled no.
"Do you want to come with us to camp?"
“Yes!” she said.
Not that I knew how we would do it. But when I got out of the ward, the chief nurse came over to me.
"Hannah's life is in your hands, and if you succeed in bringing her to the camp and bring her spirits back to life, you will save her,” he said.
I have been volunteering in Zichron Menachem for eight years and I never heard comments like that from any medical person. It was a tremendous jolt. I got the camp staff together and informed them that in this camp our flagship project was Hannah, and it must succeed.
3. Miracles do happen
Hannah's condition greatly deteriorated. For more than two months, she refused to eat, drink or receive medical treatment, and was depressed and desperate. On the day we brought her to camp, Hannah suddenly said, "Chaim, I want to eat."
3. Miracles do happen
Hannah's condition greatly deteriorated. For more than two months, she refused to eat, drink or receive medical treatment, and was depressed and desperate. On the day we brought her to camp, Hannah suddenly said, "Chaim, I want to eat."
The amazing change
Camp's unbelievable effect
Chaim again brought her to camp, and a few minutes after leaving the hospital, Hannah suddenly said, "Chaim, I want to eat."
They stopped at a restaurant and Hannah ate! She got out of the car herself when she arrived at the camp. And she participated in all activities and attractions before Shabbat.
The amazing change continued throughout her time there. Hannah decided she wanted to live and to fight for her life. She spoke of her deepest feelings and opened up to encouragement and support. She looked for any opportunity to leave the hospital. She was especially looking forward to the summer camp in the Netherlands. The excitement filled her with hope and strength.
But after a while, the cancer metastasised to her stomach. The severity of the situation was already clear, but we still wanted to sweeten the life that remained. Among other things, we made her last birthday unforgettable.
The amazing change
Camp's unbelievable effect
Chaim again brought her to camp, and a few minutes after leaving the hospital, Hannah suddenly said, "Chaim, I want to eat."
They stopped at a restaurant and Hannah ate! She got out of the car herself when she arrived at the camp. And she participated in all activities and attractions before Shabbat.
The amazing change continued throughout her time there. Hannah decided she wanted to live and to fight for her life. She spoke of her deepest feelings and opened up to encouragement and support. She looked for any opportunity to leave the hospital. She was especially looking forward to the summer camp in the Netherlands. The excitement filled her with hope and strength.
But after a while, the cancer metastasised to her stomach. The severity of the situation was already clear, but we still wanted to sweeten the life that remained. Among other things, we made her last birthday unforgettable.
4. A day to remember
On this memorable day, a volunteer with a Maserati picked up Hannah and her mother and took them to a salon in Tel Aviv owned by Sharon, whose younger brother had been in Zichron Menachem six years earlier. A whole pampering team, composed entirely of volunteers, waited for her. Sharon allowed her to choose any dress, and gave her a ring as a gift.
Hanna received a professional makeover, had a spectacular photo shoot next to the sea and a gourmet meal at the Nalaga'at Center, operated by deaf and dumb deaf people.
For Sarah, Hannah's mother, this magical day remains one of the last memories of her daughter. Less than a month later, Hannah passed away. But her mother’s pain - and ours - is sweetened by the knowledge that Hannah enjoyed her life up to her last moments.
4. A day to remember
On this memorable day, a volunteer with a Maserati picked up Hannah and her mother and took them to a salon in Tel Aviv owned by Sharon, whose younger brother had been in Zichron Menachem six years earlier. A whole pampering team, composed entirely of volunteers, waited for her. Sharon allowed her to choose any dress, and gave her a ring as a gift.
Hanna received a professional makeover, had a spectacular photo shoot next to the sea and a gourmet meal at the Nalaga'at Center, operated by deaf and dumb deaf people.
For Sarah, Hannah's mother, this magical day remains one of the last memories of her daughter. Less than a month later, Hannah passed away. But her mother’s pain - and ours - is sweetened by the knowledge that Hannah enjoyed her life up to her last moments.