When a 20 year old son, once a rugged IDF soldier, repeatedly asks his mother, “Am I going to die?” what can she possibly answer? 

About a year ago, generous donors to Milka’s Fund reached out to help David A. of Beitar, a 19-year-old IDF soldier from a family of 11, who was stricken with GBM, a type of brain cancer. Doctors were not at all optimistic. The situation in David’s home fell into chaos as his family (his mother, especially) stopped everything to take care of his every need. Thankfully, our goal was quickly raised for the A. family and we were able to provide them with coverage of some of their most urgent expenses. This was a tremendous help to the family.

Over this past year, despite all the odds stacked against him, medications David was given stalled the cancer growth. Incredibly, he was beating those odds and actually showing signs of improvement, taking small, slow, shaky steps with the help of a walker and physical support from aides. He could express himself in limited words. His neuro oncologist couldn’t believe it. He said that David’s improvement was “above nature” and felt there was no explanation for it except for tfillos said on his behalf. A few weeks ago, when severe weakness in David’s legs prompted doctors to run new MRIs and CT scans they revealed metastases. David is once again undergoing chemotherapy.

As David’s father brings in a minimal salary and his mother Shoshana hasn’t worked this past year whatsoever (she has been all-consumed with taking care of her son 24/7) their funds are few, and their needs are many.

When asked what David would like most, what would make him happy, his mother answers that he has requested that an adaptation to be made to the family bathroom. The single bathtub in the home doesn’t allow for him to use it without significant assistance from others. He wishes he could be wheeled into a shower which would allow him to bathe in a more dignified way. Shoshana also expresses that David has asked to see a psychologist, to help him deal with severe depression he has been battling since the start of his illness.

David’s sister is due to get married this week, but sadly, no one was available to help prepare for the wedding, and there was no money to fund any of the expenses. Thankfully, several donors who heard about the situation stepped in last minute and are covering most of them. Upon hearing this, Shoshana said: “Only Hashem knows how much happiness this has brought us during this sorrowful time, this assistance has sweetened the Din.”

We need to help David and his family, by adapting their bathroom, bringing him vital therapy and offsetting some of the additional wedding expenses.

Your crucial donations can assist with all of these needs, for a family enduring great suffering.

As an IDF soldier, David was ready to give his life for Am Yisrael. We must do our best to improve his.

Will you please help?