MDA israel

Maya Barkan, a 5 and a half year old from Even Yehuda, is currently recovering from a serious illness. During her treatment, she met many MDA and other medical crews in hospital, and has a dream to join them one day as a doctor on the ambulance. 

The Aman Group launched the initiative, and along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Magen David Adom's Wish Ambulance, a special day was created just for Maya to make her dream come true. 

The special project began when Limor Somech and Gili Halimi from the Aman Group looked for the best way to do a special good deed. They contacted Make-A-Wish who suggested Maya's emotional story. They then turned to Magen David Adom, who suggested to team up with the Wish Ambulance to make the dream come true. A Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) arrived at Maya's home with representatives of all three organizations, including Paramedic Orianne Lucatz and Senior EMT Avihoo Grassgrin. An excited Maya jumped onto the vehicle, received her white coat and a name tag, and underwent some rapid medical training. 

Just moments after qualifying as a doctor, the first call was received on the radio and Maya was sent to save a life in the streets of Even Yehuda. After a few calls Maya had another surprise. The children from her kindergarten, whom she has not seen for some time due to her illness, were waiting for her at a nearby ice-cream store, and gave her gifts as well as a lot of love. Pizza Hut also donated pizzas to the event in order to make sure all the children were happy. 

The unique wish was brought to life thanks to the volunteers on MDA's Wish Ambulance, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Aman Group General Manager Ben Pasternak who allocated funds to the project and encouraged his employees to join. 

Denise Bar-Aharon, founder and general manager of Make-A-Wish Foundation: "I get emotional each time I see that there are so many good people who want to give, and companies like Aman Group who get together to do good for the Make-A-Wish children."

Limor Somech, Aman Group: "We were very happy to be a part of making Maya's dream come true and to welcome her friends for ice-cream (her favorite food). I'm proud of the Aman Group employees who took part in this important activity." 

Orianne Lucatz, MDA Paramedic: "Maya is an amazing child who brought us great joy. The experience was one of a kind, even for us, and brought us a great sense of achievement and optimism. Maya is full of the joys of life, of love, and is always looking to see how she can help, despite her young age. It touched all of our hearts, and we wish her good health. We'd like to invite her, in a few years time, to join us and come and save lives with MDA."

Dr. Maya Barkan, 5 and a half, said that she was very happy to help anyone who needed it, and her parents, Limor and Ro'i thanked everyone who took part and helped make the dream come true.