Through a generous donation in memory of a young cancer patient who passed away, virtual reality (VR) headsets featuring content developed by startup ARVR to help ease pain and anxiety in children have been introduced at the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam).
On October 28, Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital held a ceremony to mark the launch of new virtual reality (VR) systems in its Joan and Sanford Weil Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation. The systems offer immersive, child-friendly content designed to help ease pain and anxiety and bring moments of calm and joy to young patients undergoing complex medical treatment.
The new VR systems were donated by Tzachi and Sigal Levy in memory of their son, Tom Yaakov Levy, of blessed memory. Throughout his illness, Tom showed remarkable courage and always looked out for other children facing similar challenges. His parents chose to honor his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied: generosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping children who, like him, were facing serious illness.
The four VR kits feature content developed specifically for children by the startup ARVR. The content is available in four languages and tailored to different age groups, making the experience accessible to a wider range of patients.
At the touching ceremony, Tom’s brother, Or Levy, spoke passionately about Tom and his remarkable spirit and legacy, shared photos of Tom, and afterward, attendees were able to try out the new VR kits.
Lara Meller and Amir Rosenzweig, who lead, said: “VR technology allows children to immerse themselves in magical, calming worlds during treatment. It helps reduce anxiety, distracts them from invasive medical procedures, and creates a safe, supportive space in real time. Bringing children relief through the technology we have developed is a profound mission for us.”
Dr. Nira Arad-Cohen, Director of the Joan and Sanford Weil Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, said: “Bringing together medical innovation, technology, and compassion is at the heart of our work. The launch of these kits is deeply moving. We are profoundly grateful to the Levy family for a generous gift that brings hope and light to the children in our department. This technology gives children a space of quiet and calm during the most challenging moments of their lives.”
A young patient tries a VR headset at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital.
Photography: Rambam HCC
