Dear friends and family, 

We (Adina and Talia) have chosen to train together for the half marathon, to raise money for ALYN hospital. 

ALYN Hospital / ALYN Woldenberg Family Hospital is Israel's only pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation facility. ALYN treats children with a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions, including cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, burns. 

Talia: For the second half of my gap year I volunteered 5 times a week at ALYN hospital in Jerusalem. Twice a week in their rehabilitation medical and educational day care centre, and three times a week in their ‘Bayit Cham’ ward, translating as ‘warm home’ which is a home environment for children that are respirator dependent. The home provides overall medical, nursing, emotional and social care for each child through out the day.

I was very lucky to create a close bond with one of the girls in the ‘Bayit Cham’ ward, her name is Lina, she is 11 years old. She is very smart and loves to talk to people, in hebrew of course, but she has very limited movement in her body and can only really move her hands (to an extent), eyes and tongue. Over the time that I volunteered there I didn’t see a child with major health issues and disabilities, I saw an amazing young girl who became my friend, whom I still speak to her in Hebrew weekly and love to hear how happy it makes her. I have visited Lina since I finished volunteering there and nothing quite beats the smile on her face when I go to see her. 

After having an incredible experience volunteering there and becoming so close with Lina, I felt that I needed to do something that physically challenged my body and to raise money for ALYN. So, I decided to follow the steps of my crazy family members and run the half marathon in Jerusalem. 

Adina: Although I wasn't fortunate enough to volunteer there in my gap year I see how wonderful ALYN is. I feel lucky to be able to support such a phenomenal place and really appreciate all the support you give us. Running has never been my sport but felt a challenge was necessary and so far I have really enjoyed training with Talia and am always encouraged by the aim to raise money for ALYN.

ALYN need a lot of money to cover costs of medical treatments and various rehabilitation therapies. It makes SUCH a difference to the quality of their lives when ALYN come up with solutions to alleviate their frustrations with the limitations posed by their disabilities. 

Thank you in advance xx