| On Chanukah we celebrate about miracles. This year, Ezer Mizion celebrated the miracle of two people who met for the first time in their lives on the sixth day of Chanukah.
Two years ago, 27 year old David Butinya had a successful bone marrow transplant, that gave him a new lease on life. The donor, Pinchas Barel, joined Ezer Mizion's registry at a special drive to recruit potential stem cell donors of Georgian descent.
When Barel donated his stem cells he had no idea of the identity of the patient. He only knew that someone needed his cells in order to survive. Ever since, he has been hoping and praying that the procedure worked. Butinya knew nothing of his life-giving donor, other than the fact that he was caring enough to give of himself for a total stranger.
At their first meeting on Chanukah, they hugged each other. Butinya kept telling Barel; "You are my miracle!". After speaking a little more they discovered that not only are they blood brothers - they are actually genuine second cousins!
"You are one of us! You are one of us!", shouted Butinya's grandmother upon discovering this amazing news!
And yes, Barel and Butinya are also "one of us" - part of the extended, caring Ezer Mizion family! |
