By: Shmulie Brackman

I sit here deep in thought.

It’s been one of those nights- all too familiar to me now.

I spent the night in the emergency room, again. This time it was following a blood patch, a treatment to fix a spinal tap gone wrong. It was just another one of those side effects of the many drugs and procedures that seem so hard yet need to be endured to fight Leukemia.

Yes, I’ve been in treatment for Leukemia for three years now.

This has been a particularly challenging summer.  But the highlight was two incredible weeks of fun in Camp Simcha, a unique and magical place where kids like me come to get the strength to keep fighting.

One night in camp, the campers in my division sat around a bonfire listening to each other’s stories. Some of the kids suffered so much; it made me appreciate all the gifts that have been showered on me. I am forever grateful.

And as I was looking around I suddenly realized that all of us, my friends and me were here because of the sacrifices of others.

So many children didn’t survive when there was no hope, while many researchers worked tirelessly to find a cure.

In the prayer of Av Harachamim that is recited almost weekly, we ask G-D to remember those who willingly died for the sake of His name. I know that I’m only alive thanks to those who fought for ME, literally giving up their lives struggling through new and often dangerous chemo experiments. I’ll always remember them.

As Rosh Hashanah is looming around the corner, I hope you take to heart what I am writing today.

I don’t want to give a pep talk. (I hate pep talks!) But as the New Year rapidly approaches, it’s so important to look at all the good that has been showered on each of us. Look at all the people that have given up so much for you in countless ways and be thankful.

I know I’ve learned to never take for granted the great gift of life. There were so many who went through so much to help me, and care for me each day.

In the coming year, may we all be blessed to recognize and celebrate the goodness that has been showered on us.

May it be a year of only peace, blessings and happiness in good health for all of Klal Yisroel.