Sisi Fisman was three years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was a scary and stressful time for her and her family, and even though she was so young, Sisi remembers feeling lonely and upset about her situation. Why do I have to be the one stuck in the hospital when other children get to be outside having fun? she’d think. To Sisi, it did not seem fair. But when Chai Lifeline Canada came into the Fisman family’s life, these feelings of loneliness started to dissipate.Â
The case managers supported Sisi when she was stuck in the hospital waiting room or having a procedure done. They would bring tasty treats such as doughnuts, and offer her fun activities and new toys such as board games or My Little Pony figurines. Sisi particularly remembers the time she got her first port put in. She was scared and in pain, but Chai Lifeline Canada case managers visited and brought a hand puppet as a distraction, brightening her day, something they continued to do whenever Sisi had procedures.
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What was particularly memorable for Sisi when staying in the hospital was that her mother, Galit, found it stressful to prepare for Shabbat. Thanks to Chai Lifeline Canada volunteers, homemade meals were provided, which everyone in the Fisman household appreciated. Despite her medication affecting her appetite and oftentimes leaving her nauseated, Sisi really enjoyed the food that they received. The homemade meals came with nice notes, which especially touched the family, making them feel part of a community and really showing them how much people care, even if they do not know them personally.
Sisi and her family have participated in so many Chai Lifeline Canada programs in the seven years the organization has been in their lives. They attend events such as our annual Purim carnival, which Sisi has always enjoyed. She participated in our Equine Therapy program and even remembers her horse there, named Riley. Best of all, Sisi was able to join Chai Lifeline Canada’s special trip to Walt Disney World. “I felt happy and hopeful when I went on the Ohr Meir trip to Disney. I really liked going on the roller coasters, I made a lot of friends, and it was really fun.”
Sisi, like her family, acknowledges how important Chai Lifeline Canada has been in her life. “If Chai Lifeline wasn’t around, I don’t really know [what I would do] because it seems impossible. Chai Lifeline Canada is so great, but without it, I probably wouldn’t have been very hopeful and would have been sad.” Her mother adds that, “to this day, seven years since her treatment ended, Chai Lifeline Canada is an important part of our life and the bond is unbreakable.”
Despite having gone through so much from such a young age, Sisi is still able to find hope and happiness in her everyday life, and shares that with others.Â
We are so inspired by Sisi’s story and resilience that we invited her to be our official ambassador for our Annual Campaign, Hope Lives Here.
Thank you Sisi!
Sisi and her mom, Dr. Galit Kleiner, joined us to share their story on our podcast, On Air With Chai.
Listen here,or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Toronto
300A Wilson Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, M3H 1S8
Phone: 647.430.5933
Fax: 416.628.1597
Montreal
4900 Jean Talon Ouest, #220 Montreal, Quebec H4P 1W9
Phone: 514.667.7041
1 (800) 556-6238
[email protected]
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At Chai Lifeline Canada we are passionately devoted to alleviating the burden of those facing medical challenge. From the moment of diagnosis, through the arduous months and years, in good times and bad, Canadian families have discovered that Chai Lifeline Canada is a friend for life.
Chai Lifeline Canada. Fighting Illness with Love.
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Toronto
300A Wilson Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M3H 1S8
Phone: 647.430.5933
Montreal
4900 Jean Talon Ouest, #220 Montreal, Quebec H4P 1W9
Phone: 514.667.7041
Crisis Intervention
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 (800) 556-6238