It would be really impressive if I told you that I have been training non-stop for this year’s Jerusalem Marathon, right? Well, I haven’t. But despite that, I am registered and ready to hit the pavement in a few weeks! Once again, I will be running to raise both awareness and funds for Merkaz Panim, an organization that operates in support of couples facing the challenges of infertility.
Merkaz Panim provides a comprehensive approach to nurture, sustain and empower couples facing a wide-range of fertility challenges, such as difficulties in conceiving and pregnancy, genetic issues, miscarriage and fetal loss. Founded in 2011, Merkaz Panim services a silent population suffering under the strain of invasive procedures and emotional hardships.
These struggles are universal. However, in the Jewish community, where family is the core of Jewish life, and especially in Israel where children are so much the center of daily life, fertility challenges are especially heartbreaking.
So many people in my life have faced fertility challenges of some form or another, oftentimes suffering under a veil of painful loneliness. In my connection to Merkaz Panim (as a runner and a proud board member), I have found a truly remarkable team of people -- so many of them volunteers -- doing heroic work. There is basically no overhead.
With your help from my previous runs, we have raised over $8000. I would love to keep that number growing! If you're inspired to do so, please take two minutes and make a contribution of any size to advance the work of Merkaz Panim. Please donate through Israel Gives’ secure fundraising site. (All contributions made in dollars are tax-deductible in the US.)
I hope you will join me in supporting this important cause and please feel free to share this link with friends, family or anyone else who might be inspired to support this one-of-a-kind organization.
Sending lots of love from Jerusalem,
Aviva
For more info on Merkaz Panim, see http://merkazpanim-fertility.org.il/en/
