We arrived at Keila’s home before Shabbat.  The entire family (Keila and her husband, Israel have eight children!) greeted my wife, Nily and me.  We immediately felt as if we had known the family all our lives.  That evening, I went to shul with Israel and their eldest son, while Nily stayed home, chatting with Keila and playing with the children.

The next day, Saturday, is a Shabbat I will never forget.  We all went to shul together, and during the service, the Rabbi spoke about Keila.  He told her story of how she was tested in 2002 for another patient in the community who needed a transplant, and though she was not a match, she was put on Gift of Life’s Registry.  One year later, Keila received a phone call telling her she was a match for a patient (me!) and that on this Shabbat morning, her recipient was in shul praying with them.  The Rabbi went on to say that everyone who is suitable should be tested to join Gift of Life’s Registry to see if they could be potential donors too.  I couldn’t agree more!

After the service, I was overwhelmed with greetings from the community.  It was touching how they made me feel as if I have been a member of their shul for years.  As we walked back to Keila’s home, I felt proud of my new family.  The children took turns holding my hand as we walked and chatted.  I truly felt that I was a part of this special family. 

Shabbat went so fast and soon it was time to get ready for our flight home to London the next day.  As we got into Israel’s car for him to drive us back to the hotel, Keila and all the children stood on the doorstep waving to us.  I did not know whether to cry or smile, but shouted, “We will be back again!” 

Since returning to England, we have been in touch with Keila and her family regularly, and of course, we hope to see them soon. 

I must thank everyone at Gift of Life for everything you did for me and my wife.  From finding my hero, Keila, to making it possible for us to meet her at the gala, you are always in our hearts and minds.  We can never forget you and hope that, please G-d, we will all meet again soon.