The challenges seemed insurmountable. Her baby could barely eat, might never walk or talk — or so they said. Chaim Zimlichman beat the odds
LONELY ROAD Today one in 10000 births worldwide is affected by Williams syndrome; in the U.S. an estimated 20 000 to 30 000 people have been diagnosed with the condition. Yet when her son was diagnosed with the condition Yehudis Zimlichman often found herself pitted against government and Jewish social agencies even her own community
T he Young Israel of Montreal was filled to capacity that Shabbos morning in 1989. Over 400 guests sat spellbound focusing on the boy with the big blue eyes and soft melodious voice who was flawlessly reciting his haftarah.
His mother Yehudis Zimlichman stood by the curtains she’d slightly pushed aside her eyes fixed on her son. Time seemed suspended; no other reality existed for her but this. When it was over he glanced her way. “I did it ” his smiling eyes seemed to say. “I told you I would.”
Only then did Yehudis give in to the wave of emotions whirling within. Tears flowed as she was overcome with pride and gratitude at her son Chaim’s achievement. “He felt just like every other 13-year-old boy. That is what he aimed for — to be as ‘normal’ as possible. That day he accomplished that” she says.
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