The oncology ward is cold.
Sterile curtains line the hallways, a heartbreaking story behind each one. Doctors in white coats walk the ward, disappearing behind these white curtains. Bald children with huge terrified eyes whimper as the machines pump treatment into their frail arms. Nurses rush to beeping machines from time to time. Pain and worry fill the walls.
Yisroel Weingarten A”H, founder of Darchei Miriam, knew chemo. When his wife was sick, the family suffered tremendously, as the medical bills piled up and the family fell apart. Yisroel had a mission. He believes that families battling cancer should not fall apart. And so, he did everything possible to ease the pain of the patient and family members.
When sitting in the hospital at his sick wife’s bedside for days on end, Yisroel needed a break. He headed to the hospital’s kitchen, but to his disappointment, it was bare. The coffee containers were empty, and there were no cups. The kitchen was messy and unappealing.
It was then that Yisroel made up his mind. Cancer patient’s parents would have an inviting fully stocked kitchen available to them at all times.
But in a little corner, there’s warmth brewing.
Welcome to Pinah Chamah- a warm corner by Darchei Miriam, where little kitchens become havens of comfort and hope for families fighting against the odds.
These kitchens are stocked with drinks and snacks, so that Cancer patient’s families sitting by their bedside day and night can find respite.
Parents sip cups of coffee that are not merely a caffeine boost. They are a cup of warmth, love, and support.
In 2005, Darchei Miriam established their first successful Pinah Chamah. And Pinah Chamahs have been warming thousands since. In 2013, when Yisroel Weingarted A”H passed away, his son, Ahrele, continued his fathers mission.
Pinah Chamahs in numbers:
How you can help
Pinah Chamahs are impacting thousands of families every day. And you can help continue the impact. Sponsoring a Pinah Chamah in a hospital for a year, a month, or even a day is providing support and love to so many cancer patients and their families. Donate now to sponsor a Pinah Chamah!
In Their Words:
Yaffi Schwartz, the mother of 5 year old Cancer patient, Naftoli, describes:
“The months of sitting by my little Naftoli’s bedside in the Oncology ward were draining. I woke up before sunrise to care for the rest of my children, and arrived to the hospital to face a full day of treatment. I spent all day trying to distract Naftoli and ease his pain. It was the Pinah Chamah by Darchei Miriam that kept me going.
I would sit there for a couple of minutes sipping my steaming cup of coffee. It warmed my outsides and insides. I couldn’t help but notice the relief on the faces of the other parents as they sat in the Kitchen. I always came back to Naftoli’s room with a little treat from the kitchen. I wish Darchei Miriam volunteers would be there to see that bright smile overtake his pale face.”
