A letter from Koral Veeder (15), Israel 2011:

 “My name is Koral, and I am fifteen years old. About four years ago, I began to feel pain in my right thigh, which was diagnosed as cancer. It wasn’t easy to accept that I have cancer, and in a moment my life changed. School stopped, and there was only the hospital, which was all I saw for a year.

 It was very hard for me to know that one of the options was to amputate the leg. The thought of living without a leg was initially incomprehensible, but after many discussions I understood that that might be the best option that would ensure that the disease will not return. I struggled with the decision for a long time, but when the date for the surgery was set, I accepted that fact completely and fully agreed to go through the procedure.  

I had to get used to the crutches, to go through grueling physical therapy, but the hardest thing I had to face was the way people stared at me everywhere I went. I learned to live with that, too, and to ignore the sideways glances.

The volunteers of Larger Than Life did everything they could to help me not only to recover from this disease but to do that with fun and a smile. I think it is very important that kids in my situation have fun, because when you are happy and having a good time you forget the pain and the nausea and, most important, forget the scary thoughts that fill your mind.

I took part in many activities, including the unforgettable trip to Disney World. That’s not just a trip, it’s a dream come true for cancer-stricken kids. I can say that for me this was an amazing experience, which allowed me to be happy and to enjoy life, and to forget the hospitals and chemo and only think about the roller coaster or that night’s dinner, and then return home with renewed strength and determination to fight the disease and fully recover.”

Shalom!  

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making a dream come true! With your help, our daughter Noa fulfilled part of her lifelong dream: to see a live NBA game.

Our daughter played basketball before she got sick. She practiced five days a week and played on a girls’ team. Basketball is everything for her. Unfortunately, the practices had to stop, but one way to motivate her through the treatments has been the hope of getting back to the basketball court, to play again. Her fondest dream is to play for the WNBA, and part of that is to watch an NBA game. Thanks to you, she will watch the game and we are certain that she will return with renewed  strength and hope to continue battling her illness.

Words are not enough to express our gratitude for all your help. Thank you for everything!

Nima & Ofer Erlich
 

In June I had surgery during which a cancerous growth was discovered. During the past few months I have had several chemotherapy sessions and other treatments.

It is difficult for me to describe my suffering and awful feelings during this difficult time, and what has given me a ray of light and has helped me overcome this illness is the wonderful people such as yourselves, who have given their all to kids like me.

I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to go on this wonderful trip, which has truly been a dream come true for me and for my family. I appreciate very much all the efforts you have made, and continue to make, in our behalf.

 Next Friday I will be fourteen years old, and this is the best birthday gift I have ever received.

Again, thank you so very much from all of us.