MONTREAL – A teen battling a rare form of cancer received a much-needed boost to his spirits when a surprise private screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens was arranged for him, his family and classmates.
On Dec. 17, the night the blockbuster opened in Montreal, Noam Azerad, 14, was thrilled to be in a theatre reserved just for him and his guests. Everyone also received Star Wars T-shirts and other merchandise, and was treated to a pizza party before the screening.
The big night was sponsored and organized by Chai Lifeline Canada, a non-profit organization that tries to brighten the lives of children with life-threatening conditions and their families by making wishes come true, as well as providing ongoing practical support.
Last summer, Noam returned from camp with what he thought was a minor sports injury, only to be told his situation was far graver. He was diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer just as he was about to start Grade 9 at Hebrew Academy.
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The news was devastating for this active boy and his parents, Judith and Lior, who were overwhelmed as they tried to cope with the shock.
“Chai Lifeline approached us at the very beginning and has been by our side until this day,” Judith said.
Stu Guttman, executive director of Chai Lifeline’s Montreal branch, which opened in 2014, explained that one of its case managers met the family in the hospital and immediately put them in touch with the parents of another child with the same condition.
“Since it’s a very rare form of cancer, comparing medications and treatment plans was extremely helpful,” he said.
Noam’s only request that first week in the hospital was for sweatpants and comfy socks to equip him for his many scheduled hospital visits. The next day, Chai Lifeline delivered a bag filled with several pairs of each.
As the initial treatments coincided with the first week of school, Chai Lifeline also provided new school bags and other supplies for Noam and his sister.
The organization also met with the Hebrew Academy principal and devised a plan on how to allow Noam to keep up with his studies. He has not been able to attend classes, his mother said. Tutors for Noam have been arranged for the entire year.
“The school asked us to speak to his class on how to treat a classmate with cancer,” Guttman said. “After meeting with the class and the school, Chai Lifeline arranged for his classmates to take shifts to ensure that he has visitors at all times. We are constantly in touch with the school social worker as we work side by side in caring for Noam’s needs.”
Through the organization, the teen also has a “big brother” who comes by regularly, and other volunteers see him in the hospital or at home, taking him out when he feels up to it.
His sister Adina, a Grade 4 student at Académie Yavné, has also been paired with a “big sister,” as she is often home alone since her parents must spend a lot of time at the hospital and have two other children. Judith is grateful that Yavné volunteers help Adina with her homework three nights a week as well.
“This helps her keep from falling behind in school and gives her the extra attention she needs,” Guttman said.
Noam’s family is invited to all Chai Lifeline events, including holiday parties and other activities. “His mom and grandmother really loved the ‘paint night’ we hosted,” Guttman said.
“Chai Lifeline sends dinners when it’s a tough week and are there for even the smallest request.
“When Noam mentioned he loved Star Wars and was looking forward to the next movie coming out, we knew we would do something special for him.”
“It was a big thrill for Noam,” Judith said. “He said it was a night he will never forget. That they were able to do this is pretty amazing. We are absolutely grateful.”