"For me, the high point was the dancing at the end of the evening - when Shilat called her sister into the circle - not once, but three times! - to dance alone with her. The entire evening was worth it just for that!" - Penina Friedman, Director, Samuel Friedmann Mentoring Program.

When a child is struck with cancer, the disease impacts not only the patient, but family members as well. The family structure crumbles and the other children often feel antagonism towards the ill sibling who is "responsible" for the upheaval.

Ezer Mizion provides vital one-on-one emotional support at this difficult time by matching up a personal mentor to children whose sibling suffers from cancer and to the patient himself.

Shilat, the eldest in her family, was cast in the shadow when her younger sister became ill. As Shilat's twelfth birthday approached, her mentor realized that Shilat's parents had neither the energy nor the resources to arrange a Bat-Mitzvah celebration, and she decided to "make it happen." Ezer Mizion applauded the initiative and offered to see to the technical details - a place, catering, etc. - while the mentor organized the rich program. 

Over fifty guests - relatives, friends, and Shilat's entire class - joined Shilat for the very special evening around beautifully set tables. Included in the diverse program was hafrashat challah by Shilat, a video of Shilat filmed and recorded at a professional studio by the dedicated mentor, and a creative activity, in which each guest had to connect the memento to the Bat-Mitzvah girl. After the mentor and Shilat herself each spoke, the usually restrained mother stepped forward to present Shilat with a lovely piece of jewelry and a warm embrace. 

At the close of the evening, all the guests joined in a lively circle of dancing. The inspiring celebration and focused attention clearly renewed Shilat's spirit and melted icy barriers, as was most dramatically demonstrated when she invited the ill sister - from whom she was estranged - to dance with her alone in the middle of the circle. A mentor's caring set the stage for emotional healing for the entire family.

The Samuel Friedmann Mentoring Program is a project of Yad Yehudis Chana Cancer Support Services.