Originally when I was diagnosed I wasn't so interested in talking about it. I called to find out about the support groups. After joining I saw how helpful it is to be in a support group and how helpful the retreats were in meeting women in similar situations and sharing the experience.
When I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Beit Natan found someone to support me. The Beit Natan volunteer called me and supported me. Later, Beit Natan formed a support group for women with metastatic cancer. I attended the original support group and three subsequent groups. I plan on attending the next group as well. I have also participated in their retreats (winter and summer getaways for cancer survivors). I also attended an art class and a chi kong class at Beit Natan and one of their mother-daughter events. I also met with a Beit Natan psychologist for several counseling sessions.
It was a big shock when my wife was diagnosed with advanced stage of "women's cancer." We went to three different specialists inb the field in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Our Rav concurred with the advice of the three doctors- double mascectomy. What a shock! Then we found Beit Natan. My wife spent ours on their anyanomous hotline speaking with a trained volunteer who had overcome the exact same "situation." My wife had her operations and started a 6 month protocal that left her shaken but firm mainly because of her own inner strength but also because of the help of Beit Natan. She wnet to a support group once a mweek that helped her tremendously. I started getting strength from my wife who was seriously ill to deal with her children and numerous siblings and parents. Without Beit Natan's very caring staff and volunteers we never would have "made it."
I had breast cancer 10 years ago. After the diagnosis, I had sunk into a black hole of depression. I only started to climb out after a Beit Natan volunteer gave me a book from their library. Then I joined the Beit Natan support group for women. That made a huge difference to my life. The feeling of safety and understanding; the ability to share my experiences and learn from other women, was something I didn't find anywhere else. I learned emotional and psychological skills that I continue to use to this day. Most of all, I found a place that spoke my language. A year later I joined the volunteer staff of Beit Natan's telephone help-line to provide individual support to other women going through similar experiences with cancer. I also became the volunteer librarian for Beit Natan. Their books were a wonderful support for me during my struggle with the depression of becoming a cancer patient. Running the Beit Natan library and sharing that support with over 200 other women is a great thing. Beit Natan has been a big influence in my life. Beit Natan's programs and the people I have met through them have taught me a lot, and helped me return to being the productive, happy person I am today.
Beit Natan is a volunteer organization that offers many services to the ill, terminally ill and their families. It is a valuable resource center for cancer patients and their families. In addition to the thorough training the volunteers of the "Tomechet"(Supporters)program receives, there are ongoing in-service forums for continued training and support, as the task is not easy. The Tomechet program is only one of several programs, but the one I am most familiar with. The patients are treated to informative and entertaining programs both at Beit Natan and elsewhere, always including refreshments and sometimes even lunch. There are picnics and barbecues, with live music and dancing. There are retreats - days away to forget your troubles - if even only for a day or two. Family members are often relieved with some time off, for some well deserved R&R while the Tomechet volunteer "takes over." Beit Natan surrounds both the patient and the caregiver with love, respect and honor. Beit Natan's fine work has been recognized by the former Mayor of Jerusalem as well as by other dignitaries and organizations. Israeli health funds and hospital social workers recognize the value of the work of Beit Natan and refer patients to Beit Natan knowing the patients are going to good hands and big hearts. Beit Natan's entire budget is provided through fundraising. I fully endorse Beit Natan and wish them much success in all their fundraising efforts so that they can continue to serve this very special and deserving community. I hope that you, too, will see their worth and will endorse Beit Natan, helping them help others.