Things were going well, I thought. I was feeling much better, the blood test results were improving, and I was hopeful that I was on the road to recovery. Then the doctor called to tell us the bad news and my world came tumbling down.

That night I walked into the room where my children were sleeping peacefully. I watched their slow rhythmic breathing and looked at their sweet, innocent faces. They looked so small and vulnerable. I thought about how much they need me. As I gently stroked their soft cheeks I sobbed uncontrollably.

I picked up the phone and called Rivkah Friedman, the wonderful social worker at Ezer Mizion - Oranit and cried my heart out to her.

I felt that perhaps I could draw strength by sharing my anguish with the 14 other young mothers struggling with cancer who are my "sisters" at Oranit's support group for women like us. I asked Rivkah if she could organize a trip for us to pray at the Kotel.

My 14 sisters and the Oranit staff traveled to the Kotel, where we prayed fervently for the gift of life and to be healthy mothers for our children. We poured out our hearts as never before. When I stepped back from the Kotel I was filled with an inner peace and calm acceptance.

From there we went on a fascinating tour of the Kotel Tunnels, followed by dinner at an exclusive restaurant, where we laughed and danced like young girls.

I am eternally grateful to the wonderful people at Oranit for giving me such an unforgettable day. The memories of our trip empower me and give me the strength to endure every difficult, pain-filled but precious moment.