A Silence so Deafening….It MUST be Heard!
A New Year engenders an air of anticipated excitement for many; as we look forward to new opportunities, anticipating special milestones and achieving goals.
We daven to Hashem to inscribe us and to seal us for a Happy, Healthy New Year.
YET…For well over 100 families in our Crown Heights Community, the New Year signals a painful reality!
For many, a recent catastrophic medical diagnosis R’L that may require surgery/hospitalizations and endless medical appointments.
The birth of a new baby born with complications, may necessitate weeks or months in a NICU.
Some families require weekly doctor’s appointments for three or more of their children involving various procedures/medications.
Others require around-the-clock nursing care for a severely-ill family member
Still others attempt to register a child with a medical disability requiring special equipment and health aides.
Some going through serious testing or dialysis as they wait for their kidney or liver transplant.
For the elderly/or for those who for various reasons cannot safely and comfortably venture outdoors, the hours tick by, ever-so-slowly, as they hope for a knock on the door signaling the arrival of a friendly face!
For young parents davening fervently to Hashem begging for more years of health and life to celebrate, their children’s birthdays, plan a bar mitzvah or dance at the wedding of their child.
At the Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights, we hear the often silent plea for help! Our entire board and countless volunteers work tirelessly in order to anticipate the needs of our dear neighbors and friends in our fervent desire to offer them ongoing support.
As these families muster the energy to face another day, we become part of their family, not only once in a great while, but throughout the days, weeks, months and even years that they endure challenging crises!
Imagine for countless families, who must cope with a pile of medical bills while attempting to balance their budget which must include the daily necessities for food, clothing, tuition and Yom tov expenses.
And so, we provide on a daily/weekly/monthly and yearly basis, the following services:
We field daily calls offering advice and encouragement
We pay co-pays and medication
We provide transportation to hospitals and doctor’s offices
We provide weekly meals in addition to Shabbos and Yom tov meals
We provide household help, including volunteers assisting patients and their families
We often accompany patients for consultations, treatments, and procedures
When possible, we provide appropriate clothing for a family simcha or for Yom tov, or a birthday gift to provide a bit of good cheer.
To be brutally honest:
As much as we want to assist everyone who needs our help, we sometimes fall short financially….yet our outstanding volunteers step up to the plate week in and week out at their own expense, providing for those in need.
We need only be reminded of the Rebbe’s entreaty to us in the historic sicha: “I leave it up to you. Do each one what you can.”
Our collective Ahavas Yisroel will surely hasten the Geula!
As we daven for the health and wellbeing of everyone, please consider to volunteer time; for a drive, a meal, a visit, or to offer ongoing support and to donate generously.
Eighteen dollars certainly helps…but if possible, $1800 can go a long way in assisting a family dealing with a medical crisis with no income, or it can help us assist more generously. Every dollar goes directly to the families and is carefully allocated by a financial board.
We know that we can count on you.
When we hear the Tekiah, Shvorim and Truah, we hear the sounds of shattered hearts, and the soulful prayers of our dear friends and neighbors.
May Hashem respond to our prayers & together with Klal Yisroel, witness the miracle of healing. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life, in good health and with good tidings. ‘Ksiva Vachasima Tova, Lshana Tovah Umesuka’
To donate, kindly make checks payable to:
Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights
387 Kingston Ave suite 10 Brooklyn NY 11225
Or visit us at WWW.BikurCholimCH.org
Thank you,
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Bikur Cholim of Crown Heights.
A list of all our supporters will be brought to the Ohel during Aseres Yemei Tshuva.
It’s so easy to volunteer to give rides! simply get a text detailing time and location of ride and if it works for you, you respond! Even if you are only available limited times of day or week! One ride a month is a huge help!