Netanel’s mother was pale and drawn. Elinor watched as she wiped a stray tear, gathered her bag, and walked out of the ward, leaving her baby behind
When Elinor opened the door to Room 7 on the children’s ward of Mayanei Hayeshuah Medical Center in Bnei Brak she had little idea that the tiny baby who lay there — hooked up to oxygen and a feeding tube — would transform the next four years of her life.
Armed with a clipboard and a ream of paperwork Elinor pushed open the door. A mother sat in a chair cradling her infant. “Hello Netanel’s Mom ” Elinor began. “What brings you here?”
“We’ve come from Schneider’s Children’s Hospital ” the mother said her voice low and feeble. “Netanel’s been there since he was born. Last week he was back in Intensive Care. When he was no longer in critical condition we decided to transfer here.”
Elinor nodded. She turned her gaze to the infant who lay in the hospital crib dependent on both oxygen and a feeding tube. His facial features quickly identified him as having Down syndrome. His tiny size and lack of movement marked him as suffering from numerous medical issues.
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