Gathering strength for the battle for life

Dozens of children who are suffering from cancer were flown to Austria for a week of unforgettable experiences and fun this month by the Rachashei Lev Foundation, which seeks to help children cope with the devastating disease.

The foundation sponsored the trip of 50 children, accompanied by their parents, medical staff and medical equipment. The group stayed at the resort town of Semmering in the Austrian Alps.

During their stay the kids and their families went hiking in the area, visited an amusement park and enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities. They also met with players of Hapoel Tel Aviv soccer club who were staying in Austria and who showered them with gifts and surprises.

Hiking in nature (Photo: Yoel Swisa)

"This has been the most beautiful week of my life," said one of the children upon his return to Israel.

"They spared nothing and just wanted us to enjoy and gather strength for the battle for our life," he added.

"The happiness and smiles on the kids' faces when they returned to the ward gave us the strength to continue this important endeavor," said the foundation's founder and chairman, Reuven Gesheid.

Rachashei Lev, which was founded in 1989, operates dozens of volunteers at the oncology units at Tel Hashomer, Sheba and Sourasky medical centers who help children suffering from cancer cope with their illness.

The foundation holds parties, camps and special events for the children every year, and has also purchased a special ambulance for children with cancer.

In 2007 Rachashei Lev opened Beit Hayeled at the Sheba Medical center, a hotel designed for sick kids and their families who live far away from the hospital.

• For more information, to donate or to volunteer, click here (Hebrew only)