“In the Holistic Center, they treat both the patient’s body and mind, with a focus on the mind, in order to ease the suffering of patients. It is not only about easing the pain, but about prolonging life.”
Prof. Yonatan Halevi, Director, Shaarei Zedek Medical Center
Patients share experiences:
“I look forward to each treatment! The treatments ease the side effects and make our bodies stronger when facing chemotherapy. All cancer patients should know about these treatments and receive them.”
Rina, a patient at Jerusalem Community Clinic
“The volunteers are angels of compassion.”
Mohammad, a patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
“In April 2017 I began chemotherapy in the oncological day hospitalization department in Shaare Zedek. My personal and professional life went off course. I arrived at the department after an operation and a month later I met Orit Azar, who was in charge of the alternative treatments, and Anat Moscowitz, the reflexologist. I want to thank you for the patience, the professionalism, and the smile in the morning and every time we meet. For the care, the ability to give, and for giving me a humane and wonderful treatment experience in the most difficult of times. Thank you for being there for me, in my private moments of weakness; your care, professionalism and humanity allowed me to cope with the process in its beginning and will defently help me in the future. With great gratitude.”
Batya, a. patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
“Thanks to the massage, the sensation in my feet is coming back. The treatments are very relaxing and help lower my blood pressure. This is very significant when receiving chemotherapy. The treatment is very positive, and the help that the therapists provide the patients gives me a good feeling. I am now very close to my therapist, Tehila.”
Lucia, a patient at Jerusalem Community Clinic
“Thanks to the reflexology treatments, there is a significant improvement in the side effects. I feel that there is a cumulative effect of the treatments. The treatments weaken the side effects and thus strengthen the body's resistance to chemotherapy. This allows me to receive stronger doses of chemotherapy and speed up the treatment. I am very much looking forward to the treatments, especially from the therapist Orly. Her touch has a very powerful feeling. All cancer patients should know about these treatments and receive them. Donors should also know about the project and help...”
Ora, a patient at the Herzliya Community Clinic
“Instead of arguing with the nurses, this half-hour calms me down. It gives me the strength to be calm. The therapists are soulful, and they do it with love. They have no agenda. There aren't many people who would do something just like that. They give a lot. Another thing that helps to cope.”
Sadek, a patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
“After Ilana's treatments, my legs feel light, and my sense of stability when standing and walking returns. The sensation in my hands returns and I can fold my fingers. The treatments give me a good general feeling. I am very grateful to Ilana and the volunteers and whoever initiated this project. No one helps terminally ill patients with any so much patience, adaptability and good will.”
Abigail, a patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
“The experience is fun. It helps to turn chemotherapy treatments into a much more positive experience. I feel that due to the disease and the treatment, a lot of stress accumulates. The treatment releases what has accumulated in the body. The therapists are sensitive. It's simply a positive thing.”
Rebecca, patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
“The alternative treatments were very beneficial for me. The fact that they are done voluntarily, and that the caregivers are not an integral part of the department's staff, as is customary in important medical centers in the world, indicates the underestimation of the contribution of these treatments to the recovery and the strengthening of physical and mental health during the cancer treatments. I hope that this situation will be corrected soon, and that the regular treatments will routinely incorporate alternative medicine, as well as aspects of nutrition, physical activity and mental support, all of which have a positive and strengthening effect on the immune system.”
Dina, a patient at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
