ANNOUNCING THE ROEE NEGRI MEMORIAL GRANT FOR YOUNG LEADERSHIP
March 2024 Newsletter
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“As the month of Adar begins, our joy is increased!”
מי שנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה
In the Jewish calendar, the month of Adar is meant to be the most joyful month of the year. This year is a leap year in the Jewish calendar so we have not only one month of Adar, but we get two (Adar 1 and Adar 2). Therefore our joy should be doubled!
Given the challenges facing our community since the tragic events in Israel on October 7, we are forced to ask ourselves – how can we feel and celebrate joy during this challenging time - and for two months, nonetheless?
Since October 7, I have certainly found comfort in knowing that ALYN Hospital has continued to provide its much-needed services. They’ve even adapted some therapies so they can be offered remotely to patients whose families have been evacuated from the war zone. The staff of the hospital has also provided guidance to other medical facilities, rehab centers and doctors who have turned to ALYN for assistance. Thinking of the way the ALYN staff has performed considering the current realities has filled me with a sense of immense pride.
While I carry this pride, I cannot say that it has helped me feel that increase in joy that we are supposed to feel at this time of the year.
So where am I finding my Adar joy? I find it by thinking of the children we are serving and the fact that, in the children’s eyes, “ALYN makes therapy fun”. If you have visited the hospital, you have seen the children riding a variety of adapted bicycles in the hallway! Throughout the hospital, you see the smiles and the happy faces. You hear the laughter of the children on their way to and from their appointments – music therapy, pet therapy, gardening therapy and the list goes on. Thinking of the children allows me to find that happiness and joy.
None of this could happen without you, our donors and friends. Your ongoing support and generosity enable this life-changing work to occur – successfully and joyfully!
Wishing you opportunities to find joy this Adar, even during these challenging times.
Chag purim sameach –
Adam Schwartz
During the coming months, I will be visiting a number of communities around the country to help us share this message more widely. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with any of you and/or anyone you suggest might enjoy/benefit from learning about our work. Just drop me a note at adam@alynus.org.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT – STEVE NACHMAN
CYCLIST, DONOR, ALYN AMBASSADOR
Steve Nachman participated in his first Wheels of Love charity bike ride for ALYN Hospital in 2006. He soon became a vital part of the ALYN family, returning to ride year after year and finding various ways to share his love for ALYN and the children treated there. We honor him in this Donor Spotlight for his unwavering support and commitment.
HEELS OF LOVE - LESSONS LEARNED
FROM DAVIDA POPIK, AFAH DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Why would I choose to go to Israel in the midst of a war? Why would I choose this year over other years? Why? Because life must continue and we must still find joy where we can, while we wait, while we worry. So together with 55 other ALYN supporters I joined the hospital’s annual Heels of Love charity hike, held this year on February 27-29.
We are pleased to announce the launching of the Roee Negri Memorial Grant for Wheels of Love, Israel. The grant is a tribute to the leadership and heroism displayed by IDF Major Roee Negri z”l, grandson of our ALYN colleague Brenda Hirsch, who was tragically killed in action on October 7. In life, Roee was a respected and beloved leader, an inspiration both to his troops as well as to his friends and family.
In line with AFAH’s goals to cultivate young leadership, the Roee Negri Memorial Grant is seeking applicants from the United States and Mexico, between the ages of 25-35, who have a demonstrated track record of leadership and community service, as well as a desire to participate in supporting ALYN as a healing place for children around the world.
With a generous endowment from an AFAH board member, the Grant will cover the registration fee for the Wheels of Love charity bike ride (a value of $1,200), November 11-14, 2024 in Israel, benefitting ALYN Hospital. This is the inaugural year and the gift will allow for two participants a year for the next five years. Should you wish to supplement this wonderful program so that it can be extended, please contact the AFAH office: 212-869-8085, friends@alynus.org.
SAVE THE DATE -
WHEELS OF LOVE: USA!
Wheels of Love: USA returns on Sunday, June 23, 2024 to the Princeton, New Jersey area. Join us for our fourth annual USA-based charity ride benefitting ALYN Hospital. Princeton is home to numerous scenic cycling areas. As always, our routes will be meticulously planned by the DreamRides team, guaranteed to provide you with another memorable biking experience.