Zichron Menachem UK offers Israeli kids with cancer a ‘transformative’ experience

Despite the fact that the transplant and lack of exercise in recent months had left her legs very weak, joining in with outdoor activities, particularly a rope-climbing course, revealed Yehudit’s determination. “Every stage was very challenging for her physically and mentally,” said Tehila. “She was really shaking and almost crying. But I saw how she still fought not to give up, straining at every step, taking short rests. [We] encouraged her and slowly, she got through and began another stage. She finished the ropes’ tour with a lot of relief, release and a sense of satisfaction.”

Yehudit (right) with a volunteer (Zichron Menachem UK)[Missing Credit]

For a week, Yehudit and the rest of the group, aged between six and 25 visited museums and recreation parks, including Legoland, Thorpe Park and Madame Tussauds.

But bringing over such large number of people from Israel, many of whom were still in the middle of their treatment and vulnerable to picking up infections, required meticulous planning. They were accompanied by over 70 staff and volunteers, including three doctors, four nurses and a psychologist. There was a fully equipped medical room at the hotel where the group was staying, which included an ultrasound machine, a blood-testing machine, which provided instant results, and also apparatus for culture-testing.

Portable medical kits were taken on every trip, and at each location, medical spaces were set up, as were quiet areas for those who needed a moment of calm. “Great care was taken to ensure these areas didn’t feel clinical, helping the children feel safe, supported, and not reminded of hospital spaces back home,” said Eli Seliger, chief executive of Zichron Menachem UK.

Zichron Menachem at one of the theme parks (Photo: Zichron Menachem UK)[Missing Credit]

He told the JC: “For the children and young adults, who are in the midst of treatment or recovery, this wasn’t just a summer break. It was the first time stepping away from hospital routines, wigs and even their parents. It was a transformative, empowering and a life changing time away.”

Go-karting[Missing Credit]

Other support from the UK Jewish community included the ambulance service Hatzola, who provided 24/7 medical backup and accompanied the group on every outing. The charity Yad LChaim donated wheelchairs, and meals were hosted by communal organisations, including S&P Lauderdale Road and Golders Green Beth Hamedrash (GGBH).

For the staff and volunteers, the experience was as impactful as it was for many of the young people. Shoko, a longtime volunteer, said: “This camp fuels your soul. My wife, an oncology nurse, and our four daughters have all donated their hair [to cancer patients]. Volunteering here feels like a privilege – the more we give, the more we want to give.”

Zichron Menachem UK[Missing Credit]

Leah, a leader, recalled: “A little boy I was caring for had never left his parents before. To watch him start forming new relationships was such a joy.”

Above all, what the camp did was to provide participants with a community, said Seliger. “The sense of belonging at camp was unmistakable. Children who usually wouldn’t leave the house without a wig felt safe and comfortable enough to take it off. For many, it was the first time they felt normal, surrounded by peers who understood exactly what they were going through. The camp nurtured a deep sense of belonging, dignity and emotional strength in a way few environments can.”

Participants on the Zichron Menachem trip (Photo: Zichron Menachem UK)[Missing Credit]

A key benefit was the peer support participants gave to one another, he added. “One of the most moving aspects of camp was the connection between children. Those further along in their treatment journey became beacons of hope for others. They could see where someone was on their journey – and where they themselves could one day get to.”