Dear Family and Friends, 

    As many of you may already know, I have a six year old nephew, Avi,  here in Israel. Avi was born with a congenital heart defect. An attempt at correcting the particular condition he has was already made with a two previous surgeries. The first one was done in Israel, but was unsuccessful in correcting the problem. Many expert doctors were then consulted, as well as Rav Firer, and the conclusion was that my nephew's best chances were to have surgery, using a new procedure, in the United States, at Boston Children's Hospital. That surgery was performed more than a ago. It was a success, and saved my nephew's life. It was expected that Avi would not require further surgery for at least another 5 years. Unfortunately, his condition in the last few months has worsened, and medical experts here in Israel agree that he is in need of  another surgery, immediately, again at Boston Children's Hospital. Due to Avi's recent delicate state, doctors were reluctant to even allow him to travel to the States. They finally gave the go-ahead, on condition that a specially trained paramedic accompanies them on the flight. 

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Avi's Abba and Ima, tried through many channels, to try to get the Israeli medical insurance to cover the costs. The insurance claims that since this type of surgery can be  performed here in Israel, they are not going to pay for it to be done overseas. They claim this even though the surgery was already tried here, and was unsuccessful. In addition, medical experts here agree that it should be done overseas, but all to no avail. Furthermore, based on the first heart surgery, they found that a more difficult and more involved procedure was needed, which has never been performed in Israel. 

My nephew's parents have decided to follow the expert advice they have received, and do the best they can for their son by having the surgery done in Boston Children's Hospital. Of course, with no insurance coverage, the current operation, including the special in-flight paramedic, and airfare, will cost over $40,000. They are doing all they can to cover the costs. 

How you can help:

Please pass this message on to your friends, family, and acquaintances. Anyone whom you think would take part in this opportunity of saving Avi's life. We have set up a campaign on 'TheChesedFund' for Avi. This is the direct link: https://give.thechesedfund.com/cause/5-year-old-in-need-of-heart-surgery-overseas

I know you may have already contributed  in the past, (some of you even recently) to Avi's cause. Any additional contribution you can make is of tremendous assistance and greatly appreciated.

Please Daven for my nephew's Refuah Shleimah: Avraham ben Esther Brondi, amongst all those in need of a Refuah in Am Yisroel.

I appreciate the time you took in order to read this message, and look forward to your helping out in any way that you can.

Thanks!

With Torah Blessings,

Sincerely,

Naftali Dovid Phaff

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