(Courtesy of Soroka Medical Center) Newlyweds brought their wedding ceremony to the Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute in Soroka Medical Center to allow the bride’s father, hospitalized with cancer, to attend.
Linoy, the future bride-to-be, found herself in a devastating situation: Her father was hospitalized at Soroka Medical Center and unable to attend her wedding. Linoy and her groom, Nadav, acted quickly to be sure Linoy’s dad could witness his daughter’s wedding. The couple worked with staff from Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva to plan a beautiful wedding ceremony in her father’s hospital room, complete with guests and a rabbi.
“As a young couple, the most important part of our wedding was that our dearest family and friends will accompany us on this special day; that’s why we chose to hold the chuppah in a place where dad would feel the most comfortable and safe, in the presence of the medical teams that treat him from the Soroka oncology department,” Linoy told American Friends of Soroka (AFS).
The Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Israel’s newest comprehensive cancer center, serves more than 18,000 cancer patients every year, including 750 children. By leveraging Soroka’s connection with Ben Gurion University of the Negev and its strategic location in the burgeoning technology hub of Be’er Sheva, Soroka’s new Oncology Center is set to be the most advanced cancer treatment and research facility in the Middle East.
In summer 2022, Soroka inaugurated the “The History of the Star of David” by Marc Bennett in the Healing Garden of this Center—a monumental artwork tracing the highs and lows of the Magen David, Judaism’s iconic symbol. The public art installation is adjacent to the hospital’s synagogue, and was the backdrop for the September 30 wedding ceremony.
“It was really important that her dad was there, happy and comfortable,” said Nadav. “He kept smiling and it brought us great joy. Our wedding day could not have been more special, and thanks to the extraordinary care of Soroka’s staff, we were together with our close family and friends.”
Soroka and the American Friends of Soroka Medical Center continue to develop the new Oncology Center with state-of-the-art equipment and essential facilities. Generous friends serve as role models for future generations, together, saving lives in Israel and making a difference in the world. AFS wishes you all a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year, filled with the blessings of peace, fulfillment and friendship. To learn more, please contact [email protected] or call the AFS office at 914-725-9070.
