Jewish Life Digital Edition March 2015 | Page 64

SPONSORED FEATURE DL LINK under the helm of superb leadership We have just celebrated Purim – a festival commemorating the overturning of Haman’s evil decree. When cancer patients are diagnosed, their life and those of their families are also overturned – shock, fear, questions – where to turn? ever, DL Link has assisted me on this As we approach Pesach, we celebrate journey at an extremely vulnerable time. I freedom, miracles and liberation, and so have been lifted to and from hospitals, w e catch a glimpse of how the incredible shopping centres and the DL Link premisDL Link provides freedom, direction, ases for functions. I have been in hospital sistance, support and salvation to those on a quiet weekend feeling desolate, when battling cancer and those affected by suddenly Gabi’s smiling face appears at their illness. my bedside. I have attended a spa mornDuring the past four years, 255 cancer ing, where nail technicians from Sorbet patients and their families have relied on caringly manicured the nails of dozens of the continued support of the DL Link. In survivors, patients and their caregivers, the words of one survivor: who were pampered and spoilt uncondi“I was recently diagnosed with cancer, tionally. I have been to guided meditation when I received a phone call from a man sessions. The healing energy and group called Gabi Joseph, who informed me he support is contagious. And I have had was from the DL Link, a support organinourishing meals, containers of homesation for cancer survivors. He asked if made soup spontaneously delivered to my he could visit me. I very begrudgingly doorstep. DL Link has lifted a huge agreed to give a half-hour of my time. I weight about my condition off my chilam a private person, I felt ill and I was dren’s shoulders. Having cancer is a humoverwhelmed by my diagnosis. I had bling experience, and keeping one’s spirnever heard of DL Link before, and I exits up all the time is very difficult, but pected Gabi would be a volunteer who thanks to DL Link’s input, it is possible. I visits a patient once every few weeks for am grateful and privileged to be part of a few minutes and there is no personal this amazing organisation. I challenge any connection or chemistry between paJewish support organisation for seriously tient and volunteer. ill people anywhere else in the world to “Gabi made himself at home in my match the dedication and support providlounge, and from the moment he began ed by DL Link.” speaking, I knew DL Link’s support system sounded unique. In the last few months, DL Link has aided my Patricia Flaum and journey to recovery in ways that her sister Barbara and Isaac cannot be measured, and my ‘link’ – Gabi – has become an integral part of my life. “My children and grandchildren live overseas, and like many Jewish parents in this situation, I had no means of physical support. How- To donate, volunteer or become part of the DL Link, call 011 485 3269 or visit www.dllink.co.za or e-mail the DL Link on [email protected]. Ginsberg, her mother Jehudith Lurie, Michele n lfso Ruth and Jordanna Wo Vanessa Abro, cancer survivor and single mother of four-year-old Micaela, concurs. “Thanks for holding an amazing Purim party. I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun. The DJ was so incredible! The effort, creativity and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. Micaela also had a ball and said excitedly: ‘Mom, I won money!’ All my love and appreciation always to you, DL Link, for changing my life.” Micaela’s grandmother also thanks the wonderful team at DL Link: “Notwithstanding the regular arrival of a weekly gift, I want you to know it is always so appreciated and so special to know that you and your wonderful team are out there thinking of us. It is never taken for granted and always has the element of surprise. The gifts are varied and different. The grass figure that was delivered today is so gorgeous, and Miki is going to love it, as much as mom and granny love it. You are the most special people in the world, people who keep others in mind and do it with love and empathy. Thank you so much for being the special people you are. We love you. Grandma Jeanette.”