Rabbi David Frid was born in the US in 1953 and made Aliyah together with his wife Rochel in 1979. They lived in the northern town of Zichron Yaakov for the first 18 years, where Dovid learned and taught. In 1998, they moved to the Jerusalem area, where David continued his work and studies. They have eight children, four of whom are married and many grandchildren, who are their pride and joy.
R’ David was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and valiantly kept up teaching at home until January 2014, when he developed breathing difficulties. In February, 2014 he underwent an emergency Tracheotomy in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. After about a month in the hospital, he was able to come home with the support of his devoted family.
As a result of the operation, he cannot speak and is paralyzed from the neck down. He has had to stop teaching, but can still learn and write others via advanced computer technology provided by the communications department at Ezer Mitzion, in conjunction with the IsrALS organization. Under the guidance of Mrs. Debbie Ben Tal, David learned to use the Nav Smart device and The Grid, computer systems which allow him to communicate, use Skype, e-mail and virtually any other computer program. This has made life bearable and purposeful. We are truly grateful to Mrs. Ben Tal, Ezer Mitzion and IsrALS for their devotion and caring in our difficult situation.
As he is on a breathing machine, R’ David must have 24 hour surveillance, but government insurance does not cover this cost. Initially, family members tried to stay up for the night shift, but were not able to function at work and school during the day. On the verge of collapse, they were forced to bring in a night time caregiver also trained as a nurse to give David the proper care he needs. This, together with the purchase of necessary medical equipment, doctor’s consultations and supplies not covered by insurance, has completely depleted the family financially. In order to take care of their beloved father and spouse at home with dignity and respect, the family has set up a fund for caring people to help with the numerous medical expenses involved in his care.
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