Special Wish for Ofek
After 4 months in hospital, Ofek had his wish granted by Magen David Adom's Wish Ambulance
Magen David Adom's Wish Ambulance met 3-year-old Ofek for a special day, along with a team from Schneider Hospital. Ofek, who is attached to an LVAD device, or mechanical heart, has a very complex medical condition, and under normal circumstances is not allowed to leave the hospital. However, Ofek had a special wish - to visit the giraffes and elephants at the Ramat Gan Safari.
The Wish Ambulance team, led by Paramedic Yonat Daskal, along with EMTs Netanel Engel and Yanky Rosenfeld, as well as a team from the CCU in Schneider, helped make Ofek's wish come true.
As the visit ended, the Wish Ambulance team stopped for brief visit at the Ramat Gan Fire Station, and bought Ofek a toy giraffe - his favorite animal from the visit - which will stay with him until he receives a heart transplant and is released from hospital.
"We were lucky to fulfil the wonderful Ofek's special wish," said Paramedic Yonat. "After 4 months in critical care, we were very excited to accompany him on his visit to the animals that he loves. As part of the Wish Ambulance we get to give people special, beautiful moments, filled with peace and calm, especially for those suffering with serious illnesses and bring them and their families some respite. It really is a unique experience.
Dr. Orit Manor Shulman, a senior doctor in Schneider Hospital's Cardiac CCU: "It was amazing to see the joy experienced by Ofek and his mother Ronit. Our department's outlook is that we try to strengthen the child and the family, not just treat a patient. It's so important and encouraging to meet good people along the way, such as the Wish Ambulance team."
"This was a very emotional day," said Ronit, Ofek's mother. "He hasn't left the hospital grounds in 4 months, and was very excited to get in the ambulance. It was emotional for me too to see him outdoors. It was almost like having a different child. I'd like to thank the team from Schneider Hospital, as well as MDA's Wish Ambulance team. Not only did they fulfil our dream, they did it with such warmth and love."
