OUR BLOG
A Bride, A Groom and Maternity Ward Wedding
Sarit and Moshiko planned to get married in April 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, they had to postpone their wedding until August. When the big day finally arrived, Sarit and Moshiko were busy with typical preparations: getting dressed and posing for photos. That’s when the wedding plans began to change. While the couple was being photographed, Sarit, who was six months pregnant with twins, realized that her water had broken. The couple rushed to Assuta Ashdod, where doctors told them that Sarit had to remain in the hospital until she gave birth.
Moshiko quickly arranged for an impromptu wedding inside the maternity ward. Meanwhile, guests who were already waiting for the happy couple in the wedding hall, were told the bride and groom were not going to make it. Guests were still able to join the couple virtually, as the wedding ceremony was broadcast on a large screen at the hall. While the wedding may not have turned out exactly as planned, the day was unforgettable for everyone!
Public Screening Leads to Quick Treatment
It is very difficult for me to share this personal time in my life but since I chose public life as my mission, I decided to share my story.
Recently, in my role as a city council woman, I attended an event called Raising Breast Cancer Awareness at Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital. Wanting to encourage others, I decided to undergo a breast screening on Facebook Live. At the end of the examination, the surgeon whispered to me, "Come back for a checkup, I’d like to follow-up something, but don’t worry."Obviously, I called and made an appointment, but with upcoming municipal elections, my job and caring for three children, I rescheduled my appointment twice.
Soon after, an amazing, precious woman I knew died of breast cancer. Though I knew she was sick, her death surprised me. Suddenly, all my excuses to delay my checkup became the reasons I wanted to run to the doctor. Leaving the funeral, I made my appointment. The doctor immediately sent me to surgery to diagnosis a lump found. I know everything will be fine. I know that I am in the incredible hands of the amazing Professor Dina Lev, my guardian angel at Assuta Ashdod Hospital.
Please, deep down in your heart, if you feel that something is wrong, go to the Woman's Health Center near your home. If you are in Ashdod, run to the Assuta Breast Health Center. The staff, each and every one, are angels in white.
Assuta Ashdod mourns the untimely loss of Prof. Dina Lev. Her caring, compassion and dedication are lasting tributes to her memory.
A Hospital Nearby Could Have Saved Her Father
Years before Assuta Ashdod Hospital opened, a seven-year old girl named Lucy lost her father. He died at the young age of 42 after suffering from a massive heart attack. There was no ambulance available, and during the critical time when every second counted, he and his wife were forced to drive 40 minutes to the nearest hospital. During those 40 minutes, he went from concerned to critical, collapsing in the emergency room at the hospital, miles away from home. He never regained consciousness and died two weeks later.
While no one can predict the future, it is clear that if there had been a hospital in Ashdod--as there is now--Lucy’s father would have received immediate treatment. It is more than likely that he would have survived. Sadly, this was not an isolated case: there are many families like Lucy’s, who paid the very high price of not having a hospital in the region.
As a young adult, Lucy promised herself that if ever a hospital were to be built in Ashdod, she would find a way to secure employment within its walls. When she heard about Assuta Ashdod, it became her mission to “close the circle” in memory of her father.
Lucy works today as a valued member of staff at Assuta Ashdod Hospital.
“After I was hired, I went to the cemetery to tell my father the good news,”Lucy said. “He would have been so proud of me, and grateful to know that I was a part of making sure that what happened to him would not happen to anyone else,” she continued. “We all need to say ‘thank you’ to those who kept pushing for a hospital here. It simply saves lives in the city and in the region.”
Fast, Emergency Treatment Saves Newborn
Following a non-eventful, joyous birth, baby Adi and her family returned home. They never thought they would be back at Assuta Ashdod just two weeks later when Adi suddenly became lethargic and unresponsive. The baby was immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where her bloodwork indicated a severe and rare case of neonatal diabetes. In critical condition, she was put on a respirator until she could be stabilized.
Adi’s parents are grateful for the lifesaving treatment and compassionate care that was provided by Assuta Ashdod Hospital.
“We are so thankful to the doctors at Assuta Ashdod,” said Linor, Adi’s mom. “Things escalated so fast. One minute I had a perfectly healthy baby, and the next minute she was in great danger. We are eternally grateful we got Adi back. I feel that my baby was born twice!”
COVID-19 Survivor Returns as Volunteer
After 30 days as an intubated coronavirus patient at Assuta Ashdod, Rabbi David Schwartz returned to the hospital--this time as a volunteer. Rabbi Schwartz helps patients communicate with their families and provides them with information and support during their hospitalization.
“I’ve been through this and I know exactly how it feels,” says Rabbi Schwartz, a father of three from Ashdod. “As a patient, when I opened my eyes and saw the volunteers in the department, I thought they were angels. I vowed to become one when I got out. The most important thing I can give patients is hope. Hope, a good word and a friendly face!”
Combined Cancer Surgery and C-Section Results in Healthy Mom and Twin Boys
Irina Polkarov arrived at the hospital complaining of severe abdominal pain. She was informed that she was pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, her happiness was short-lived as doctors also discovered a substantial cancerous tumor in her ovaries. After much deliberation, the doctors decided that the cancer treatment could not be delayed. Irina was started on various treatments including chemotherapy.
Irina eventually underwent a C-section in week 32 of her pregnancy, delivering two healthy baby boys! During the C-section doctors also fully removed the tumor from her ovaries. “We were so happy we were able to safely perform a C-section and remove the tumor at the same time,” said Dr. Jonathan Stanley, Head of Gynecologic Oncology, who was by Irina’s side from the start. “Being able to celebrate the babies’ britot (circumcisions) with the family is truly special for me. The fact that we were able to save both Irina and her babies fill me and my entire team with endless joy.”