Ten trails in the North, 140 shiny jeeps, 125 families, and happiness and hope that it would be impossible to quantify.

Imagine 140 modern and well equipped jeeps parked at the starting point of the trail in a long line-up that does not seem to end. Alongside each jeep stands a dedicated volunteer driver, who took a day off from work in order to give the cancer patients and their families an unforgettable experience.

At Ezer Mizion, we know that happiness and optimism give cancer patients the strength to fight their illness. A positive state of mind is every bit as vital for recovery as are radiation, chemotherapy and drug treatment. The Ezer Mizion summer camp is the practical response to this need.

This summer, as in previous years, the retreat for cancer patients and their families took place in the Givat Olga campus in Hadera. One hundred and twenty five families with a cancer-stricken mother or child - 600 people all told - experienced five days of a relaxing and invigorating family vacation.

The rich array of activities - including a fireworks display with dazzling multicolor lights that burst into flame before their eyes, colorful parachutes, a trip to an amusement park and small plane flights - could not take away the illness, but they did succeed in distracting the families, for at least a short time, from the consuming, unceasing thoughts about it.

A chance to pour one's heart out, to talk and air out struggles and doubts, to feel that someone is with you - Ezer Mizion saw to all this as well. Rabbi Chananya Chollak, International Chairman of Ezer Mizion, came to deliver an energizing talk on the second night of camp. Former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau came especially to the camp to give the families encouragement, and Ariel Attias, Minister of Communication expressed his support and empathy with his visit.

A day in Jerusalem brought the patients and their families to the Kotel to pray, continued with a visit to the Science Museum, and concluded with a festive and emotional dinner at the Armon Hanetziv promenade.

"A breath of hope", represented by dozens of giant helium balloons released to float up to the sky, sealed this unique summer camp. The balloons, carrying the hidden hopes and heartfelt prayers of the families, will surely rise directly to the gates of Heaven!

Related Links
Oranit Guest Home for Children with Cancer
Summer Camp Program
Cancer Support