Judah Goldscheider

Dear Family and Friends,

As many if not all of you know, Judah has been through more than a year-long  medical odyssey due to complications from his
Diabetes.   He has been hospitalized numerous times, lived in a rehab facility for months, was confined to home with nursing care.  Finally after trying every option available, he succumbed to his last surgery a week ago. His right leg was amputated below the knee.  While the surgery was deemed successful and at this time he is a good candidate for a prosthesis, he has a long road ahead and multiple challenges to overcome.

 A week ago, Judah was moved to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore for his rehab but unfortunately his body suffered terribly from the impact of the pain medications.  He just barely avoided another surgery for a possible bowel obstruction.  Thankfully, he is more stabilized at the moment.   He was moved mid-week from the rehab unit to another wing at Sinai that could deal with Judah's more acute needs. 

Judah has lost more than 50lbs just in the last few months.  His body has greatly atrophied and he will need a lot of therapy to gain strength.  As of today, Judah is starting to drink clear liquids and may be moved to solid foods by the end of the weekend.

Lisa has been an unbelievable source of strength for Judah.  Watching them care for each other is the most beautiful testimony to the truest kind of love. 

Both have been dealing as best as they can to survive and while their Jewish commitment has given them a lot of strength, they have been very adamant about keeping people away.  As Judah's sister, I have tried to do the best I can to support them but often have felt unable to do even the smallest things without upsetting their sense of equilibrium.  I've come learn what I can do to help without overwhelming them and hope that via this website I can share what I've learned so others can help. 

Here's the bottom line--they need help and support but the traditional ways we might want to help them don't work.  Little acts of kindness and support will go a long way.  The highest form of giving would be to do so anonymously so that 1) they won't feel burdened and overwhelmed 2) we can get them the help and resources they need, and  3) know that they have a wide community supporting them even if most importantly they don't know who is doing what.

I know you all are caring, resourceful, and creative people who would be more than willing to help if only you knew what to do.  I hope together we can find ways to be Judah and Lisa's Secret Helper Brigade. 

I'm limited in accessing people that might want to help Judah and Lisa  so please feel free to send me their contact information and I will add them on to our virtual community. 

On a different post, I will make some suggestions of how you can help.  Please feel free to send me a message with your ideas, resources, or suggestions.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Avi Goldscheider