a smile i'll always remember

Gail Androphy, Executive Director, American Friends of Jordan River Village Foundation

I noticed her from the moment she came into the camp. Not because she had trouble walking and used a scooter, but because even with all her aliments, she had an adorable smile. I was drawn to her instantly. I asked one of my colleagues to share her story with me.

Meira is a 7-year-old Arab-Israeli girl, who, along with her family, was in a fiery car accident. She was burned severely, causing significant scarring and hair loss, in addition to the loss of an eye, an arm and several toes. This was her first time at Jordan River Village, the SeriousFun Camp in Israel.

On that morning, her group was going to the adventure tower. I saw Meira go on the obstacle course with the most loving counselor who supported her (literally) and gave her courage. Meira stepped onto the course as a terrified little girl, holding onto the counselor for dear life. By the end, she moved with greater ease, as her friends on the ground were cheering for her. The smile on her face was priceless. Seeing her so proud and accomplished made me shed a tear of joy.

Meira then prepared to go down the zip line. You could see she was scared, but her counselor gave her a big hug, and together they soared. When Meira got out of the golf cart that retrieved her, she greeted her friends with what I thought was impossible—an even bigger smile.

To learn more about Jordan River Village and the incredible impact it has for children in Israel coping with serious illnesses, please visit their web site.