Several months ago I had the unique opportunity of traveling with Kids of Courage an organization that helps extremely ill children with severe diseases such as Familial Dysautonomia Muscular Dystrophy Cancer Cystic Fibrosis Nemaline Myopathy and paralysis with ventilator dependence – among others.
I’ve experienced great moments of inspiration in my life but this trip was a foray into another stratosphere – the ultimate level of chesed. The 150 patients and 260 staff which included five doctors ten nurses a group of paramedics and EMTs went on an eight-day trip to give these children an opportunity enjoy fun and pleasure with others of similar and perhaps more serious illnesses.
As the rav of this outstanding organization I was already well-acquainted with the serious medical issues that arise primarily sheilos regarding how to deal with emergencies on Shabbos. Yet I could never have envisioned what the preparations for the charter flight from Newark Airport to San Francisco would actually look like. Terminal C was abuzz with wheelchairs oxygen tanks feeding tubes and ventilators resembling a hospital unit yet the radiant smiles of these sick children exuded laughter joy and harmony. Chasidish Yeshivish and those from modern backgrounds all stood together with love to provide an uplifting experience for Hashem’s children. All barriers of political and sociological divides disappeared as we prepared for this eight day excursion of bonding and sharing.
As I boarded the flight and had a chance to talk with the cockpit crew and flight attendants I learned that certain crew members specifically asked to be on this charter flight because they wanted to be part of what has been termed “the flying hospital.” Prominent pediatrician Dr. Stewart Ditchek paramedic Howie Kafka a member of Hatzalah of the Five Towns and Ari Adlerstein the co-founders of this organization strode up and down the aisles throughout the flight checking on all the children.
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