For most kids, preparing for an upcoming bar or bat mitzvah means hours of studying Hebrew and reciting Torah portions.  Many students are also required to take part in a tzedakah (social action) project as well, making a personal commitment to the mitzvah of helping others and beginning what is hoped to be a lifelong habit of giving to the community. 

For 13 year old Mikayla, the decision to raise money to support Gift of Life was easy.  Mikayla’s cousin, three year old Ezra has a rare primary immune deficiency called Hyper IgM Syndrome.  The only cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.  Thousands of potential donors have had their cheeks swabbed in the hopes of matching Ezra, but so far, a match has not been found.   

Two months before her December, 2012 bat mitzvah, Mikayla competed in the Westchester Kids Triathlon and sought contributions for Gift of Life through her mom’s Facebook page.  She raised over $2,500 to help pay for lab processing of testing kits of potential donors, one of whom could be Ezra’s miracle match!   

This was Mikayla’s first triathlon.  She said, “My favorite event was the swim because it was pretty easy until it got deeper, but biking is a close second because my two year old brother was cheering me on.”  Her father, who participates in the Westchester Triathlon every year, gave her inspiration, support and training.  Though she felt very tired when she finished, Mikayla plans to compete again next year, and also hopes to continue raising money for Gift of Life and Ezra. 

Mikayla said, “I wanted to raise money for Ezra because I love him, and I know he needs help.”