This Chabad ‘Treats’ Patients

When C.G.’s family of Hulon, Israel was told that their eight year old son’s only chance at a cure for the cancer he had been battling for two years was to be found at the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, NJ, they felt lost, frightened and confused.

“We just didn’t know what to expect in a foreign country,” says the boy’s mother M., who herself is a Russian immigrant to Israel. “We don’t speak English and going to New Jersey for treatment would mean leaving our three year old daughter behind with relatives, giving up my husband’s job and our only source of income, and fighting for our son’s health in unfamiliar surroundings. To say we were anxious is an understatement.”

Enter ‘Circle of Hope’, a non-profit organization founded by the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Somerset County, NJ, in response to the influx of Jewish patients traveling here from Israel and around the world in hopes of a cure.

“From the moment we called the angels at Circle of Hope, we felt like everything was going to be OK, and we knew that we would not be alone on this terrifying journey,” relates Y.G, C.’s father.

“Miriam Krinsky, who runs the organization, spoke our language, which put us at ease right away. A Hebrew speaking volunteer greeted us at the airport with homemade chocolate cupcakes – M’s favorite! – and balloons. When we arrived at the beautiful apartment they arranged for us, we couldn’t believe our eyes! It was fully stocked with familiar foods, necessary supplies and lots and lots of C.’s favorite toys, a piano for him to use, as well as knitting supplies for my wife, since she had mentioned that knitting is therapeutic for her.

“Throughout our stay they just went above and beyond, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They helped us get a rental car, accompanied us to doctor’s appointments, translated for us, invited us to Holiday parties and events, took my wife to a doctor when she wasn’t feeling well during our stay, treated us to exciting trips and so much more.

“They gave us hope and love during a most difficult time in our lives and though we are back in Israel we still keep in touch. This community has become like family to us! From speaking with the many other families who have benefited from Circle of Hope we know that they feel the same. Their work is truly remarkable.”

Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky, the center’s spiritual leader, says “This has been an incredible partnership, a true circle of hope, in which the community has joined forces to create services and resources for individuals with cancer and other illnesses. Our community has gone above and beyond and we have been able to create a solid network of professionals offering a gamut of services, as well as volunteers and donors who have really stepped up to the plate in a most generous and heartwarming way. When you see the new found hope in the families’ eyes, you know these efforts from the heart have truly become a circle of hope.”

The Chabad Center for Jewish Life recently held a Benefit Gala to support its many educational, religious, and social service programs and activities, including Circle of Hope. This elegant and unique event was held at The Imperia Banquet and Conference Center in Somerset, NJ.

Special tribute was paid to Honoree Eugen Hug, M.D., Professor of Proton Radiotherapy, Medical Director and CMO ProCure Proton Therapy Centers.

Retired Colonel Steve Katz shared his fascinating life story and Jewish journey inspired by Chabad.

12-year-old Jessica Hermann who recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life presented a check of $1000 that she had raised as part of her Mitzvah project to benefit the Circle of Hope.

A video presentation, produced and directed by Daniel Finkleman of Sparks Next was shown, highlighting the partnership between ProCure and Chabad’s Circle of Hope.

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For more info about the Circle of Hope, visit circleofhopenj.org