This past week, Hatzulas Nefashos once again proved their unwavering commitment to saving lives. Their latest mission was nothing short of extraordinary—an urgent, high-stakes rescue effort that brought together multiple organizations in a race against time. It’s a powerful testament to what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause.
A Desperate Call for Help
On Friday, Hatzulas Nefashos received a frantic call from a fragile patient's mother who said they were recommended by PAdvocate.org to reach out about their son, a critically vulnerable patient. He had been treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and, after months of care, was finally released, nearly fully recovered. But upon transferring to a renowned facility in New York City, his condition deteriorated dramatically. Now, his only chance for survival lay in returning to the very hospital in Cincinnati where he had once found hope.
The problem? He needed to get there immediately—but his family had exhausted every avenue and simply couldn’t afford the medical transport.
“If he doesn’t get to Cincinnati, he probably won’t survive the weekend,” a Padvocate volunteer warned the Hatzulas Nefashos dispatcher.
Racing Against the Clock
Hatzulas Nefashos leadership jumped into action. Their first priority was to confirm whether the patient was stable enough to be transferred. They contacted Chaim Medical Resource, which has been following the medical case and treatment plans closely and provided a comprehensive medical analysis, outlining the many complexities of the transport. The mission would be daunting—but not impossible. Next, they reached out to experts in high-risk medical transport. They also consulted their own medical specialists to ensure they had the expertise to execute this complicated operation. Once they received confirmation, they moved forward without hesitation.
A plane was quickly chartered, set to depart at 4 PM Friday. But just as everything seemed to be in place, disaster struck—the NYC hospital delayed the patient’s release, causing Hatzulas Nefashos to lose the reserved flight and the deposit.
Finally, just an hour into Shabbos, the hospital began cooperating, and his release was secured. Now, with time slipping away, they faced another challenge: finding an alternative flight at the last minute.
A Mission Like No Other
Determined not to give up, Hatzulas Nefashos sought the guidance of their esteemed Vaad Harabonim and continued working late into Friday night. When all commercial options were exhausted, they alerted Shomrim of Williamsburg to quickly approach a well-known philanthropist who owns a private jet.
Permission was immediately granted, but yet another obstacle arose—the individual in charge of the jet and flight crew was in Rockland County, his phone was off for Shabbos, and his exact location was unknown.
With crucial assistance from Hatzolah of Rockland County, an urgent effort was launched to track him down. Despite the challenge, within an hour, they had confirmation: the flight crew was en route, and the jet was fueled and ready at Teterboro Airport!
In the middle of the night, the elite Hatzolahs Nefashos team of medical professionals—doctors, flight nurses, critical care paramedics—rushed to transport the patient to the airport. Chaverim and Chavivim of Rockland ensured that specialized medical equipment was secured and delivered for the flight. A dedicated volunteer from the Reisman’s Group, who knew the patient’s case intimately, joined the mission to provide additional expertise. Every step was taken in accordance with Daas Torah, ensuring all halachic considerations were met.
With Padvocate coordinating efforts across all organizations, the impossible was suddenly within reach. The mission was a go.
Mission Accomplished!
Upon landing in Cincinnati, Hatzolah of Cincinnati was waiting on the tarmac to transport the patient directly to the hospital. The mission was a success! The patient was admitted and immediately placed under the care of specialists, who swiftly stabilized him and provided the life-saving treatment he urgently needed.
What began as an impossible situation had turned into a miracle—thanks to Hashem and the relentless dedication of so many.
Hatzulas Nefashos: A Lifeline for Ocean County
When every second counts and lives hang in the balance, Hatzulas Nefashos doesn’t see obstacles—they see a sacred duty to preserve life.
Throughout this operation, Hatzulas Nefashos worked hand in hand with Rabbi Simcha Strohli and Rabbi Henoch Perl, Rav of Hatzulas Nefashos, whose guidance was invaluable every step of the way.
Hatzulas Nefashos has been serving the Ocean County community 24/7 since its founding three years ago. In that time, they have expanded their fleet to eight ambulances and brought in countless new members. This summer, they are extending their reach even further, ensuring that when emergencies arise, help is always within reach.
This mission was more than just a transport—it was a testament to the power of unwavering commitment, selfless teamwork, and unshakable faith. Hatzulas Nefashos stands ready to answer the call, no matter how impossible the challenge may seem.
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