Tali – Recreating her life as a Nurse, Medic, and Phlebotomist
I am Tali – 46 years old, born in Israel. I got married and lived happily with my large family. My dedicated, humble husband ran a major yeshiva for 26 years. Our lives were comfortable and pleasant, until he was diagnosed with cancer – the terrible disease. For two years we mustered all our strength to save him. We did not spare time or resources, yet tragically, his decree was sealed when seven years ago my special husband was taken from us.
I was left with 7 children and my soul was filled with endless sorrow. I was weak and struggled to carry on with life. After going through the motions for four years, I decided to make a change and devote myself to saving lives. I enrolled in Nursing School. Currently, I am in my third year of studies and filled with satisfaction and a desire to save lives.
A few months ago, on a Saturday night my grandson lost consciousness. We didn’t know what to do and everyone’s eyes were on me as the resident medical expert. It was terrifying, I didn’t know what to do! We didn’t learn to administer first aid to a child who had lost consciousness and I was full of fear and panic. In those critical moments when my grandson was struggling between life and death and we were crying out for help, waiting for a medic to enter the house, I promised myself that I would enroll in an emergency first response course. A mere two weeks after that incident, a friend sent me a message that United Hatzalah was launching the IMAH Initiative – a special medic course tailor-made for widows. I jumped out of excitement, feeling that it was divine providence, that the exact opportunity I was looking for, landed in my lap – fully subsidized. Thank G-d my grandson is alive and healthy. He was saved by the first responder who came to our house. I am looking forward to joining the ranks of a team that is learning to save lives along with some of my closest friends. I am also participating in the IMAH Phlebotomy Course. Thank you very much and kudos to the innovators and donors who are behind this project.