On October 11, Erev Yom Kippur, my life took an unexpected and life-threatening turn. I suffered a traumatic injury to my heart while at home. We quickly dialed 999, fearing I was having a heart attack. When we were told the wait for an ambulance would be over an hour and a half, we immediately called Hatzola.

Within just 10 minutes, a Hatzola ambulance and backup car arrived. The team, led by Dr. Asher Lewinsohn, assessed my condition and suspected an aortic dissection—a tear in the aorta which caused a leak of the outer wall. This condition has a 99% mortality rate, but Dr. Asher’s swift diagnosis gave me a fighting chance.

I was rushed to Barnet Hospital for scans, which confirmed Dr. Asher’s suspicions. I was then transferred to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where an extraordinary surgical team performed a life-saving 10-hour open-heart surgery. They replaced both my aortic valve and the damaged section of my aorta.

Dr. Asher’s skill and dedication ensured I survived long enough to reach Barts, and the surgical team there gave me a second chance at life. Without their intervention, I would not be here today to tell this story.

Although I face a long road to recovery, including intense rehabilitation for a spinal cord injury, I am determined to work hard and honor the incredible teams who saved my life.

________________________________________

Supporting Hatzola: A Lifeline for Our Community

Hatzola’s remarkable work relies solely on donations, and they are a vital pillar of our community. Their rapid response, professionalism, and expertise truly make them lifesavers. To ensure they can continue helping others in their time of greatest need, I am raising funds for this incredible organisation.

Here’s how your donations can make a difference:

• £50: Fuel for one ambulance for a week

• £100: Stethoscope

• £250: Diagnostic equipment

• £500: Radio

• £1,000: Training for a new medic

• £2,500: Defibrillator

• £5,000: Full kit of lifesaving equipment for a medic

• £10,000: Lucas device (chest compression system)

• £75,000: Emergency response car

• £200,000: Fully kitted ambulance

________________________________________

My Goal

I have set up a JustGiving page with the hope of raising £15,000 for Hatzola. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ensure this service can continue saving lives just as they saved mine.

Please consider donating and sharing this page with anyone who may be able to help. Together, we can ensure Hatzola remains a lifeline for our community.

Thank you from the bottom of my (repaired!) heart for your support,

David