Team HASC: A parent’s perspective

I’m sitting on the plane on my way back from the Rock N Roll half marathon weekend in Pasadena, California in which Team HASC actively participated. The last three days have been magical and I find myself reflecting on one of the most exhilarating and inspiring experiences I’ve ever witnessed. It’s been some time since I’ve had such nachas and joy, so fully choked up with emotion.

Three months ago, when my wife expressed a desire to run with Team HASC to help raise funds for the incredible camp in which our son, Eli, lives during the summers, there was no question that, B’Ezras Hashem (with G-d’s help), it was going to happen. But was I, too, going to have the z’chus (merit) and honor to participate in such an awe inspiring event? As a Rebbe in a Yeshiva, my ability to attend was very much up in the air. Baruch Hashem, with the help of family, friends and many volunteers, supervision for our children was arranged and the school where I teach made sure that my classroom was covered.

For my wife and me, a weekend away is indeed a very rare occasion. A weekend away with the amazing and special people of Team HASC, who work at a place called “Heaven on Earth” was far more than I could ever have asked or ever imagined. The excitement and the emotions were palpable from the moment of our arrival. We were greeted by the warm Team HASC committee and staff that worked tirelessly for months arranging all the details of the weekend. From the head staff, directors, counselors, volunteers and countless others, the goal was clear: the entire event and all details were painstakingly arranged for the precious Neshomos of Camp HASC. Those of us who have experienced Camp HASC don’t require any further introduction or illumination. Camp HASC is nothing short of a living miracle, a testament to the spirit of its visionary founders who, some 40 years ago, had the foresight to grasp what it would mean for children, teenagers and even adults with special needs, to enjoy the summer camp experience.

Our Shabbos was filled with ruach, the spirit in the room vibrant. As we sat with Reb Shmiel Kahn, Rabbi Shlomo Stern and their wives, we noticed the pride on their faces as over 140 current and past staff took a weekend off to fly across the country to improve the quality of life of their beloved campers. One dedicated counselor, whose schedule did not allow him to spend Shabbos in California, flew in after Shabbos and arrived in time to push his camper during the marathon. Immediately after the race, he was back on a plane. We need to understand the gravity of the chesed being shown by this group of unpaid, all volunteer group of special angels. Indeed, we have a lot to be proud of in our own communities and schools.

Counselors and other volunteers pushed jogging wheelchairs, some running while pushing. HASC volunteers lifted their campers out of their wheelchairs and urged those who could walk somewhat, albeit clumsily, to actually walk and even trot: a true sense of running in the marathon.

Two Team HASC counselors were pushing a boy with special needs in a jogging wheelchair. They were about 100 feet from the finish line and they instinctively unbuckled their camper. They pushed the wheelchair aside, and struggled together with the camper hand in hand, stride for stride, as they crossed the finish line with their arms raised. The crowd roared with cheers and I felt my eyes swell up. What an incredible display of devotion, self-sacrifice and love. We are so proud to have the Z’chus to be a part of such an amazing organization. The entire staff defines what it means to be the ultimate role models of giving and selflessness towards one another. Disregarding any physical or mental disabilities that they may have, 12 campers in total with special needs crossed the finish line on their own accord. Among the finishers was a camper who is stricken with cerebral palsy. He walked with his counselors over the finish line. Another with a prosthetic leg, raced through the finish line on crutches with his counselors cheering right beside him. As each camper crossed the finish line, tremendous cheers and thunderous applause erupted spontaneously from strangers and spectators watching this incredible sight unfold before their eyes.

To all who are associated with this holy place, you have made us so proud and inspired us greatly on this special weekend. This special place is truly a Kiddush Hashem of massive proportions. Let us hope that through your incredible actions that Im Yirtzeh Hashem, G-d willing, Camp HASC will be in Yerushalayim where all will be healed, and everyone will know that you are from the true heroes of Klal Yisroel.