PHOTOS: MDA’s Make A Wish Ambulance Fulfills Rina’s Dream Of Attending Her Students’ High School Graduation Party

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The “Make a Wish Ambulance” is an MDA initiative that aims to fulfill the wishes of those battling terminal illnesses and are no longer mobile. Fulfilling each wish is planned carefully and in coordination with the patient’s doctor to best fit his or her medical needs, and under the supervision of a qualified MDA team.

Last week MDA received a special request. Rina, who’s been a teacher for the past 25 years, is battling cancer and hoped for MDA’s assistance in making it to her students’ high school graduation party. Within an hour, the special MDA Make a Wish ambulance was enlisted to the operation staffed by Ambulance Driver and EMT Tomer Bar Levi, MDA paramedic Yair Cohen and EMT Rivka Menni. The ambulance picked Rina up from her house and transported her to the party. But that wasn’t everything – after the ceremony the ambulance took Rina to dinner and to daven at the Kosel. The excitement was immense. Later on, the ambulance team continued with Rina and her family members on a night trip of Jerusalem.

The Ambulance Driver and MDA EMT, Tomer Bar Levi said: “When we arrived at the house we were charmed by her personality and strength. It became clear to us that she hadn’t left her house for over six months and that it has been very hard to convince her to do so considering her medical state. At moments like these, we comprehend again and again, what this special initiative means. It is a privilege to allow these people to see their dreams come true.”

Rina who was very emotional, thanked the MDA team and said: “I missed the faculty and the students who I hadn’t seen in over six months, thanks to the MDA Make a Wish Ambulance I was able to accompany my beloved students in their graduation ceremony and see them complete their 12 years of education. On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you.”

MDA Director General, Eli Bin: “The term (Hebrew) ‘teacher for life’, in this case, takes on a new, special meaning and we were glad to be there and help Rina in making her wish come true. Based on the understanding that taking care of the soul is just as important as medical treatment, MDA has decided to establish its Make a Wish Ambulance initiative that operates towards fulfilling the wishes of those battling terminal illnesses. I feel that we have the privilege to sweeten the lives of those suffering of terrible illnesses, and to allow them and their families to recharge before continuing to fight for their lives. MDA will continue to operate towards the wellbeing of civilians on all realms and attempt to relief their pain as much as possible. I send warm wishes to Rina and her family.”