Community Magazine June 2014

104 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE WARM, LOVING, DRIVEN, KIND… These are some of the words that come to mind when we think of the great visionary, Jack Gindi a”h . A loving husband and father of two, Jack passed away one year ago at the young age of 47. It is now one year since our community mourned his loss, and though we continue to feel pained by his absence, we can receive a degree of comfort by the exciting news of a wonderful project undertaken in his memory that will, without doubt, serve to elevate his precious soul. Remembering a Superman As I set out to learn about the charitable project, I had no idea that I’d be learning about the life of a hero. After speaking extensively with many people, including a lengthy conversation with Jack’s devoted wife, Mrs. Debbi Gindi, it is hard for me to describe the vigor and inspiration I received from learning about her husband, and all the good he embodied. When he was just 12 years old, Jack was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a fatal cancer of the lymph tissue. After a long struggle, including numerous blood transfusions, Jack fully recovered. Sadly, however, as a result of these blood transfusions, in 2005 Jack was diagnosed with hepatitis, a disease which causes inflammation of the liver. His period of treatment was exasperating both for Jack and for his family, but Jack’s attitude throughout the long, difficult process set an inspiring example for us all. Jack was a warm and hospitable person, both at home and in the office. He was a man who loved guests – or better, just loved people! He possessed an extraordinary will to succeed, to do, and to grow. And he remained that way despite the harsh realities which he endured. As Mrs. Gindi said “Good days, or bad days - he was just always happy to be alive.” He was a man who loved and was loved by all, but until his very last moment of life, there was nothing more important in his life than his wife and children. Chesed 24/7 After his passing just one year ago, Debbi sought to do something significant in his name that would bring honor to her husband’s cherished memory. Throughout the tough journey, there were many people and organizations that came to Debbi and her family’s aid, offering warmth, comfort and support. There was one group, however, to whom the Gindi’s felt a special debt of gratitude. This was the Chesed 24/7 Organization, an exceptional group of compassionate people who set out to address the dire need for services which hospitals are not equipped to provide. The organization voluntarily steps in to fill these needs via their Chesed Hospitality Rooms, which offer family members of hospital patients a room or suite of rooms equipped with a refrigerator, kosher snacks, hot water and coffee, prepackaged meals, and comfortable chairs or recliners. Rooms are stocked daily with freshly prepared foods: freshly HOSPITALITY SUITE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF Jack M. Gindi a''h