Anastasia*, just sixteen-years-old, immigrated with her family from Russia only a few months ago – without her most precious possession – her violin. Hospitalized with a stomach condition in the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus, the hospital staff surprised her with a new violin.
Anastasia plaing her new violin. Photography: Rambam HCC
Adjusting to a new language, culture, and society after immigration has been challenging for 16-year-old Anastasia, a resident of Northern Israel. Anastasia suffered poor health for many years; stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. Shortly after arriving in Israel, she was hospitalized in the Wagner Green Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus where a multidisciplinary medical team provided her with treatment not available in Russia.
Once her health improved, Anastasia was moved to the Meri & Sol J. Barer Pediatrics B Department in the children’s hospital. According to Anna Levinzon, the Head Nurse, Anastasia had told the staff that she was struggling to make new friends and that she had to leave her precious violin behind in Russia. Upon hearing this, Keren Tamir, one of the hospital nurses, arranged for the donation of a violin, which she and other staff members gave to Anastasia.
“She was delighted with her gift,” one of the staff members shared. “She picked up the new violin immediately and began playing. Smiling from ear-to-ear, her excitement was obvious. We hope she can now enjoy her favorite hobby and that playing the violin will help her through this difficult time.”
*Name changed to protect the patient’s privacy