Community Magazine July - August 2003

WHAT IT IS A genetic disorder, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs and pancreas and produces complications in other organs. This causes breathing difficul- ties, leads to life-threatening lung infections and inhibits proper digestion. The disease in not contagious and the severity of symptoms varies. Until recently, CF victims rarely lived past the age of five. Eight years ago, the CF Foundation developed a medicine which thins and reduces the mucous some- what, thereby prolonging their life span to some extent. Vitamins and enriched food supplements are also necessary to compen- sate for a CF patient’s poor digestion. The woman continued, “Every day, each child needs two or three, 45 minute ses- sions of chest physical therapy in order to drain mucous from their lungs. I literally spend half my day on this. You could imag- ine that the therapy is no great fun and I always have to put up with their protests. I can’t bear to hurt my children but I have no choice- they need it to stay alive. I spend so much time on therapy that I can’t work, therefore I can’t afford to care for them properly anymore. Tell me, how will I ever be able to live with myself, knowing that I am not taking proper care of my children. Oh Hashem, what’s going to be?” SNAPPED INTO ACTION The emotional appeal had a profound effect on Rabbi Wolkenfeld, and so he resolved to apply his efforts on her behalf far beyond the standard small monetary donation. A Yeshiva Rebbe for twenty years, he had been deeply involved in a number of Hesed Organizations throughout his career. But this situation, he recognized, was extraordinarily serious and so he decided to seek the counsel of the great sage Rav Pam ZT”L. That same evening Rabbi Wolkenfeld accompanied the woman at Rav Pam’s house, as she began to relate her terrible plight. Rabbi Wolkenfeld watched in won- derment as tears began streaming down Rav Pam’s face almost as soon as she men- tioned the words “cystic fibrosis”. Rabbi Wolkenfeld had dealt with Rav Pam in 26 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE s ” xc A Hero of It has thoroughly changed his life. Though neither he or any member his family suffer from the rare disease, the compelling circumstances it has created for our fellow Jews has transformed Rabbi Chaim A. Wolkenfeld into a veritable lifesaver for dozens of young children and made him a hero to their families It all began when a woman came to his home one evening. With a deep sigh, she began, “I’m collecting money because I have three children with Cystic Fibrosis.” Most of the righteous among us would not need to hear anymore. We would pull what cash we could from our pockets or write a small check and wish the women well. But Rabbi Wolkenfeld did not do so. Instead he allowed her to continue. “I can’t begin to describe how these poor children suffer. At times they experience such difficulty breathing, and each breath is another struggle. I can’t stand to watch them struggle, and witness their agony. One of my children’s case is so severe that it has already caused terrible liver problems, and he constantly experiences severe pain.” C HILD L IFE S OCIETY