Five year old Itai was an ordinary child. Sweet, mischievous, and happy. One day, out of the blue, six months ago, he passed out in kindergarten. In the hospital it became clear to his parents that he had a brain tumor.
Itai underwent three operations, aggressive chemotherapy, remained in quarantine six weeks after a serious bout of pneumonia that was complicated by his weakened immune system – and he is still in serious condition.
About ten months ago, Itai’s mother Noa, who had been forced to leave her job to stay with her bedridden son from dawn to dusk, applied to Latet Tikva with the request: “We want to take some time off, to take a family vacation”.
Over and over the vacation was canceled at the last minute because of Itai’s medical complications. Ironically enough, the dream came true on Independence Day: the family went – with Itai – for a week’s vacation to fulfill their wishes in Eilat, a five star hotel, lavish pampering, all of Eilat’s attractions.
We hope that Itai will be cured and one day tell us the story of his victory.
Here is his mother’s moving letter:
To Latet Tikva!
I am writing this letter to you with great excitement.
A year of suffering and pain, of hard nights, of the chemo’s side effects, of a little boy fighting and wanting to live, wanting to defeat cancer.
Several times you invited us to come but Itai’s condition didn’t allow it.
A series of treatments, operations through his skull to remove the tumor, the chemotherapy and radiation, the complication from pneumonia, and in short, all the suffering that can be endured and to dream black dreams.
You gave us a week of fun for Independence Day, you gave us air to breathe.
You allowed us to be a united family, going on vacation together, gathering fuel for will power, for refreshment that gathers the strength to continue and defeat this dreadful disease!
You showed us the good side of Israeli society!
If only we can become just the giving side of full health for Itai and for you, the people of Israel!
With appreciation and esteem
Noa, Itai’s mother
