Patients and staff blazed the trail in Jerusalem’s marathon

By Nancy G. Wiadro, Co-President, Collier/Lee Chapter

The running team from the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus filled the streets for the Jerusalem marathon with inspiring runners — war heroes. The group, made up of patients who had been severely wounded in the “Iron Swords” battles and who have been undergoing intensive and prolonged treatments, also included rehabilitation staff who have been supporting the heroes along their road to recovery. Clad in turquoise team T-shirts, they conquered the Winner Jerusalem Marathon, which took place April 4, showing their true fighting spirit.

The marathon marks the pinnacle of a long training period in which the staff trained alongside the patients, encouraged them, pushed them toward possible achievements, and helped them discover their hidden physical and mental strengths.

Among the runners were Lt. Col. Asaf Ilan, a tank battalion commander who was severely injured and rehabilitated at Hadassah; Y, a soldier from a multidimensional unit wounded while trying to rescue his company commander, who was shot by terrorists in Gaza; and On, a reservist who was critically wounded in combat in Lebanon but continued working to save his team despite his injuries.

Many others who were injured in different circumstances joined them, spurred by the announcement of the Hadassah running group — an initiative that motivated them to achieve significant physical capabilities and prepare for the marathon.

The initiative to establish the team, composed of both caregivers and patients, was envisioned and realized by physiotherapist Ayala Hirst, who decided to set an ambitious goal for rehabilitation patients, training together with caregivers to prepare mentally and physically.

Hadassah gratefully accepts donations year-round, as our hospitals continue their lifechanging work 24/7. Donate at hadassah.org or send your check to Hadassah, 6017 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 319, Naples, FL 34119. For information about membership or other questions, kindly email collierleehadassah@gmail.com.