In December 2015, I lost someone very important to me. I was very close with a four year old boy named Evan. He was battling a cancerous brain tumor for years and unfortunately lost his battle. Throughout all the pain and suffering he went through he somehow managed to always smile. Not only did he smile through countless hospital visits, surgeries, and daily discomforts, but he made everyone who was lucky enough to be around him smile. When he passed, I decided it was my job to continue his legacy and try to make as many people in the world smile. He taught me that sometimes life throws things at you, and the only way to push through it is to smile and laugh the best you can. This is when I realized I wanted to live like him and inspire anyone I know the way he inspired me.

 

In July 2018 I volunteered at Talpiot children’s home. This was my first year as a Kol Hanearim volunteer, and it changed my life. After having the most incredible summer, and maintaining incredible relationships throughout the year, I obviously had to go back for a second summer. In July 2019 I was in Emunah Afula children’s home. I was lucky enough to volunteer for a second summer and form new special bonds with the kids. Throughout the past two years I’ve kept in touch with my Israeli brothers and sisters from the Talpiot and Emunah Afula homes. I was planning to go back for a third summer and volunteer in Emunah Achuzat Sarah. Due to COVID-19 unfortunately I was not able to go to Israel this summer.

 

With so much time at home I decided I wanted to try to do something that could help my kids. I started running Zumba programs and parties over Zoom for kids, and the money I raised went to Kol Hanearim. I will be spending my next year in Amit seminary and children’s home in Jerusalem and plan to continue my involvement with KH and Emunah for many more summers and years to come.