After receiving the devastating diagnosis of ALS, we considered adding a name to Dov Ber. However, such a change can sometimes have unintended negative effects. How does one know when it’s the right step to take?

We sought guidance from Reb Chaim Kanievsky ztz"l and consulted with him three times.

After returning to America and undergoing treatments for two years, the doctors informed us that the treatments were no longer effective for Simcha Dov. It was time to return to the Holy Land.

This video recounts the miraculous events when Hashem swooped down and brought us home—all the way to the Kosel!

Two weeks after returning to Eretz Yisroel, Simcha Dov began struggling to breathe, even with the CPAP machine. On Erev Yom Kippur, we rushed him to the hospital, where they intubated him. However, the hospital was operating with a skeleton crew for the next two weeks, leaving Simcha Dov stuck between wards without a clear solution.

Then, Hashem sent us a Malach!

After the miracle that occurred on Sukkos, we found ourselves staying at Shaarei Tzedek hospital for six weeks. The hospital was overcrowded, and Simcha Dov kept catching one infection after another, prolonging his stay even further.

At long last, we were discharged—and what an incredible feeling it was!

Chanukah arrived shortly after we were released from the hospital, and we were so grateful to be home! Bocherim came to our house to sing for Simcha Dov, filling our home with an extra dose of joy and light.

A meaningful and special visit from my great-uncle, Rabbi Michel Twerski shlita.

As the disease progressed and it became increasingly difficult to move Simcha Dov, we realized we needed to find a new apartment with easier access. Additionally, purchasing rather than renting would allow us to make the necessary modifications to better care for our son.

The week before Pesach, we found ourselves back in the hospital, battling another bout of pneumonia. As Pesach drew closer, we weren’t sure whether we would have to spend yet another Yom Tov in the hospital.

In the end, we were discharged just hours before Shabbos Hagadol.

The joy of being home for Shabbos was indescribable and led to the following thought.

Navigating a socialized medical system is challenging, and it becomes even more so for homebound patients.

As Simcha Dov’s condition grew increasingly delicate, we began searching for a private doctor who would take on his case and guide us through this complex journey.

In a remarkable display of hashgacha pratis, Hashem sent us one of His Malachim, and we are infinitely grateful!