As he patiently endures yet another chemotherapy treatment in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital’s oncology ward, Adam Teketz, the father of three daughters, doesn’t know what the future holds for him.
“I want to get out of here already and be with my family. I want my life back but unfortunately, this leukemia won’t let go of me, “he whispered in a polite but frustrated voice. “I’ve had numerous chemotherapy treatments and a bone marrow transplant. I’m praying that the cancer will go into remission.”
According to hospital social workers and doctors alike, dealing with cancer is both a physical and fiscal challenge for the entire family. As Mr. Teketz is the breadwinner in the family, his concerns for his family’s daily welfare adds stress to his battle to recover. His one saving grace is the selfless on-going support he is receiving from the Jerusalem-based Israel Cancer Support Network (ICSN).
“Because my wife and I don’t have enough time to tend to our daughter’s educational and after hours’ activities, ICSN has brought in a tutor to help the girls with their homework and study for exams. They also make sure that they partake in activities with their friends and play games to take their minds off of the situation for which I am eternally grateful.”
“I live on a yishuv near Jerusalem. Because I have needed consistent chemotherapy treatment at Hadassah, transportation becomes an issue when you don’t have the strength to drive or take a bus,” Mr. Teketz said matter-of-factly. “ICSN’s volunteer drivers have driven back and forth whenever I needed them.”
Because of his prolonged illness, Mr. Teketz has had to also deal with the bureaucratic medical system in Israel. However, access to top doctors can be a herculean task, with long waiting lists for appointments. ICSN has assisted Mr. Teketz by using its far-reaching influence to getting him priority appointments with top cancer specialists, as every day counts in the fight to save lives.
The short and long-term financial damage caused by months of treatments can also be crippling. Whether it’s patients losing their jobs due to the inability to work or parents missing countless hours of work accompanying their children, many families suffer extreme financial difficulties as a result of cancer treatment. ICSN also assists in easing the burden by offering cash stipends and gift certificates to cover the cost of household help.
The proud family man is especially thankful for ICSN’s devotion to preserving a sense of “normalcy” in his household.
Mr. Teketz revealed, “Because my wife and I don’t have enough time to tend to our daughter’s educational and after hours’ activities, ICSN has brought in a tutor to help the girls with their homework and study for exams. They also make sure that they partake in activities with their friends and play games to take their minds off of the situation for which I am eternally grateful.”
This Chanukah as you light the menorah, remember the light that ICSN is bringing into the lives of cancer sufferers. ICSN functions entirely through donations with no external support. Your donation allows the lifesaving work of ICSN to continue.
Please give generously and bring light into the darkness of cancer. Donate now>>