TEL AVIV, Israel (Press Release) – Yotam Cohen, who recently celebrated his third birthday, is fighting Leukemia which requires him to spend months on end in his room at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. Through the room window, Yotam is able to observe what’s turned into his happy place in dealing with his illness – the hospital helicopter landing pad. The hospital crew and Cohen family attest that every time a helicopters flies by, Yotam stands on his bed and eagerly watches it as it lands.
His awe and excitement with helicopters has won the hearts of family members who see Yotam suffer from pain on a daily basis as a result of chemotherapy. With his bone marrow transplant planned to take place in the coming weeks, the family wanted to find a way to lift his spirits. The Cohens approached Magen David Adom with the request of allowing Yotam to tour an MDA helicopter, to experience the helicopter systems and meet the aircraft crew. MDA staff working with the Make a Wish Ambulance initiative, immediately turned to “Lahak Aviation”, the company in charge of operating MDA helicopters, asking for their assistance. With their help, Yotam was able to enjoy a tour of an MDA helicopter and a 15 minute flight over the city of Beer Sheva.
On Friday, December 30th, at 09:00 AM, MDA’s Make a Wish Ambulance along with an EMT and paramedic on board, arrived at Hadassah Ein Kerem to drive Yotam and his family members to Sde Teyman airport. During their ride to the destination, the ambulance crew explained to Yotam about the ambulance’s medical supplies and machinery. The vehicle was also decorated with balloons especially for him. Upon their arrival at the airport, Mushon Vaknin, Deputy Manager of Southern District and Manager of the MDA Helicopter Unit, briefed the visitors on how to safely board the aircraft and behave during the flight. Mushon explained to Yotam about the helicopter systems and presented him with a gift from the crew – a badge shaped like a pair of wings, as sported by all MDA aviation crew members. Yotam and his father then joined the crew for a 15 minute helicopter ride.
Yonat Daskal, Manager of the Make a Wish Ambulance Initiative: “When we received the Cohens’ request we immediately started working towards making Yotam’s wish come true. He did not stop smiling for even one moment, he was so happy. It was such a pleasure to see how he opened up to the crew, he even let us hug him on the ambulance, whereas at the hospital, he refrains from getting close with the medical crew as it reminds him of painful medical procedures. While Magen David Adom engages in lifesaving activities on a daily basis, this operation was different – it was just about making a little boy purely happy. These moments reinforce why the Make a Wish initiative exists.”
Mushon Vaknin, Deputy Manager of Southern District and manager of the MDA Helicopter Unit: “MDA helicopters act as a flying emergency room in which we fight for the lives of patients found in critical condition. This is the first time ever that a patient on the helicopter wasn’t fighting for his life, but was there to experience pure, innocent joy. It was apparent by Yotam’s smile and innocent stutter: ‘I touched the sky with the helicopter’. Yotam is a real-life hero. It was my privilege and honor to assist in executing this helicopter ride.”
Ravit Cohen, Yotam’s mother, was excited to share: “We are thankful for MDA and Lahak for making Yotam’s dream come true. We are speechless at how everything was executed with the utmost organization and professionalism. Yotam hasn’t stopped telling people about the experience. We are hopeful that his newfound joy reflects in upcoming medical tests and helps him get better.”
Eli Bin, MDA Director General: “I am glad that Magen David Adom has been able to ease Yotam’s pain, even if it was for just a few hours. Yotam’s story is incredibly touching, and unfortunately, it isn’t the only story of its kind. With the understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health, MDA established its Make a Wish initiative to fulfill the dreams of critically ill patients. I send my warmest wishes to Yotam, and strength to his family.”
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Preceding provided by Magen David Adom