Lubavitch Girl Battling Cancer Inspires Global Acts of Kindness

In a heartwarming display of love and support, the global Jewish community is joining forces to create a worldwide experience of performing Mitzvos in honor of Alta Shaina Welner, a brave teen from Phoenix, Arizona, who is battling a rare form of cancer.

As Alta Shaina prepares to celebrate her 16th birthday this week, the community aims to generate 1,600 acts of kindness to merit her complete and swift recovery.

Alta Shaina’s involvement with the Phoenix Jewish community began when her parents R’ Yaakov and Rochel Welner, together with a few others, established Cheder Lubavitch Arizona a decade ago.

Alta Shaina was enrolled in the first year of the school’s inception. Over the years, it has flourished into a nurturing environment for 150 children, including a girls high school overseen by the dedicated Mrs. Risha Majesky.

In October last year, Alta Shaina’s world was forever changed after receiving the devastating diagnosis. Determined to give her the best chance at recovery, she and her parents relocated to New York to undergo treatment. Throughout her arduous journey, Alta Shaina has remained an unwavering source of inspiration and resilience for all who know her.

Now, as Alta Shaina’s milestone birthday approaches, her community is rallying together to bring a global wave of positive energy and good deeds. The objective is to collectively accomplish 1,600 mitzvos, symbolizing each year of Alta Shaina’s life and invoking blessings for her continued strength and healing.

Having witnessed so much chesed over the past several months from family, friends, strangers, and Bikur Cholim groups, Tzedaka holds a special place in Alta Shaina’s heart. Among her favorite mitzvos, she finds immense joy in contributing to the well-being of others through acts of generosity. With this in mind, the community has encouraged participants to engage in charitable acts and specifically focus on Maaser, setting aside a portion of their income for Tzedaka.

To amplify the reach of this meaningful campaign, an Instagram account @Mitzvah4AltaShaina has been created, where participants can tag their mitzvah-related posts and comment to enter a special giveaway. The outpouring of support has been truly remarkable, with people from all corners of the world sharing stories of their mitzvos, encouraging Alta Shaina, and joining hands in solidarity.

Additionally, for those who want to be involved but are less social-media savvy, a form has been made available on a dedicated website where individuals can record their mitzvah accomplishments. This platform serves as a collective space for people to share their experiences, uplift one another, and demonstrate the vast impact that a community united in kindness can make.

Alta Shaina’s family, deeply moved by the overwhelming support they’ve received since her diagnosis, expressed their gratitude to everyone who has participated thus far. They emphasized that every act of goodness and holiness carries immeasurable significance and power, reminding Alta Shaina that she is never alone in her fight while providing the spiritual force that aids physical healing. Hashem is the true healer, and as the community collectively prays and performs mitzvos to benefit Alta Shaina’s recovery, we are collectively demonstrating our Emunah and Bitachon that it is Hashem who will grant Alta Shaina, amongst all the sick in the Jewish nation, a complete recovery through the natural means of modern medicine.

As Alta Shaina Welner celebrates her 16th birthday, she does so, knowing that she has touched the lives of countless individuals worldwide. This remarkable outpouring of kindness stands as a testament to the unbreakable bonds that exist within the global Jewish community and the limitless power of mitzvos and chesed. Together, they continue to inspire and uplift, creating a tapestry of goodness that fuels Alta Shaina’s determination on her path to recovery.

To join the worldwide mitzvah campaign in honor of Alta Shaina Welner’s birthday, tag @Mitzvah4AltaShaina on Instagram and comment on one of the posts to enter the giveaway. Alternatively, visit www.mitzvah4altashaina.com to record your acts of kindness. Together, let us illuminate the world with goodness and healing and daven that Alta Shaina should have a complete recovery.