On November 6, 2014, my mother, Joan Lau-Lavie, will walk under the moon light to raise awareness and funds in the noble task of making elder dementia more dignified, supported and respected. This is personal. My father, Naphtali, was diagnosed with Dementia 8 years ago and one of the agencies so helpful to make his life – and that of my mother and rest of family – so much better is Melabev.
I am incredibly proud of my mother for many many things – this fierce awareness/fundraising project that she took on with the aim of raising $10,000 to thank and support Melabev – the most recent.
Please take two minutes to read her incredibly moving letter, and join me, and many others with a simple online tax-free gift Melabev to supper the dignity of my father and thousands of others dealing with Dementia.
Amichai
October 30 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
I am writing to you with an invitation to help me make a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in Jerusalem that are dealing with dementia. Families just like mine.
On November 6 2014 I will be participating in the 11th Annual Walkathon Moonlight Walk supporting Melabev, the organization that provides day-center and home activities for adults suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Last year we raised $100,000. This year we are even more ambitious as our needs have grown.
I invite you to come walk with me in the beautiful Eshtaol Forest, near Beit Shemesh. The walk is only an hour long, followed by a festive BBQ.
And I invite you to sponsor my walk and help me make this a truly successful event. I intend to raise $10,000 – with the help of relatives and friends like you. Details on this walk and the two day hike that follows it, along with how to donate are at the end of this letter.
Please take a moment to read why I’ve taken this important cause.
Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time.It affects memory, thinking and behaviour.
Naphtali was diagnosed as suffering from dementia 8 years ago. His physical and mental faculties have been deteriorating gradually resulting in loss of memory, loss of mobility and behavioural changes, although he has retained his charm and sometimes even his sense of humor. He is now dependent on a caregiver and the support and love given by his family and good friends.
Three years ago, it was suggested that Naphtali join the activities of Melabev. I knew Melabev, as I was associated with it many years before as a practicing Social Worker and assisting in one of the centers which cared for my sister. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my brilliant spouse would become a member.
I will never forget the day that I accompanied Naphtali to the center and watched him thoroughly enjoying sitting in a circle of men and women from all walks of life doing simple exercises, singing, receiving a tasty lunch and most important having a wonderful team of professionals and other staff treating him with warmth and respect. I could not believe that this was happening to my husband who had walked with heads of state all over the world. At this point a social worker from Melabev visited me at home to help me overcome this feeling of despair.
Today, our entire family has learned to appreciate the care and support given by Melabev. It gives us all peace of mind knowing that on the days that Naphtali is at the center in Givat Massua, he is content and even comes home with a smile.
Melabev provides services in Jerusalem and its surroundings for 600 families at 4 day-centers answering the needs of different levels of dementia. The centers are divided according to the various levels of dementia. The centers are run in Hebrew, English, French and Russian.
Melabev’s needs are many in spite of the public support it receives and counts on private funding to meet its many needs. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Join me for a walk under the moon on Nov. 6 and please see details below on how to make each step matter more.
Sincere thanks and best regards,
Joan Lau-Lavie
Melabave Moonlight Walk and Two Day Hike:
See details here:
• The moonlight walk will take place on November 6 in the Eshtaol Forest, near Beit Shemesh.
• The 2-day hike will take place November 26-27 in the area of Mount Gilboa and Mount Tabor. The first day will culminate with an American-style Thanksgiving dinner.
Support Melabev:
Online Donation: http://melabev.org/walkathon/
MELABEV is a registered non-profit with Title 46, # 58-000-124-6
For an Israeli tax receipt
Make donation check payable to MELABEV and send to:
Melabev, Rechov Leah Porat 21, POB 3622, Jerusalem, Israel 9103502
Credit card donation by phone – 073 796 3959
For an IRS tax receipt
The American Committee for Melabev is a 501(c)(3) TIN: 02-0770465)
Make DOLLAR checks payable to:
American Committee for Melabev and send to:
Elaine Rubinstein, 7827 Ampere Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605-1853.
AmerComm4Melabev@gmail.com Tel: 818-870-6871
Please attach a note if you recommend a specific purpose for the donation
For a UK tax receipt
Make check payable to the Jerusalem Foundation
Ms. Anna Josse
The Jerusalem Foundation
c/o Prism the Gift Fund
20 Gloucester Place
London W1U 8HA
Please indicate on an attached note that the donation is recommended for Melabev.
For a Canadian receipt, make check payable to Beth Oloth and send to:
Beth Oloth
32 Brookview Dr.
Toronto, ONT M6A 2K2 Canada
Please indicate on an attached note that the donation is recommended for Melabev.
For more information, including donations from other countries: melabev.org@gmail.com
For online donations and for more information:
http://www.melabev.org/posts/49 or phone: 073-796-3959
