After four years of unsuccessful treatments for acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), Lucas and his family found new hope at Sheba Medical Centre. A pioneering CAR-T therapy using his mother’s immune cells led to his remission.

Four Years of Setbacks and a New Glimmer of Hope

Lucas, a young boy from Chile, had spent the better part of four years battling leukaemia. Despite multiple treatments, therapies, and immune-boosting protocols, his condition remained critical. With conventional options exhausted, his family embarked on a determined quest to find a solution that could finally bring him healing. Their search led them to Sheba Medical Centre in Israel, home to one of the few global centres offering CAR-T therapy as part of an advanced clinical research programme.

A Different Kind of Hospital, and a Bold, Rare Decision

Upon arriving at Sheba, Lucas immediately sensed a shift. Unlike the more restrictive settings he experienced in Chile, Sheba’s open, welcoming campus gave him a feeling of freedom and hope. But one final obstacle remained: his immune system was too depleted to qualify for standard CAR-T treatment. That’s when Sheba’s dedicated team, led by Dr. Ronit Marcus, proposed something extraordinary: to engineer the CAR-T cells not from Lucas, but from his mother. While CAR-T therapy using donor cells is rare and complex, Lucas’s team believed it could work. With courage and trust, Lucas and his mother agreed.

A Support System That Crossed Borders

The family wasn’t alone in this journey. Back in Chile, loved ones rallied to help raise funds, while at Sheba, a compassionate care team, coordinated by the ever-reliable Rimma, ensured Lucas and his mother felt supported despite language barriers. Staff even used Google Translate to explain procedures and stay connected on a deeply human level. More than a hospital, Sheba became a place where Lucas laughed again, found comfort in small moments, like food, and slowly began to recover.

Recovery and Remission: A New Future Begins

Following the unique CAR-T procedure using his mother’s cells, Lucas made remarkable progress. For the first time in years, there were signs of true healing. Today, he is officially in remission. Lucas now shares his story through a blog, hoping to inspire others facing similar struggles. His message is simple but powerful: “Never give up.”

At 64, confined to a wheelchair and facing complex health issues, David Raskin found renewed hope at Sheba. A life-changing surgery, deemed too risky by others, restored his mobility and transformed his future.

A Risky Path to Healing

David’s severe health conditions, including obesity and kidney failure, had rendered mobility nearly impossible. Many hospitals considered his case too high-risk for surgery. However, David was determined to reclaim his life and took a courageous step by seeking treatment at Sheba Medical Centre in Israel.

Family Support Across Borders

Throughout this challenging journey, David was supported unwaveringly by his sister, brother-in-law, and niece. He gratefully acknowledged their emotional and financial support, describing it as vital to his recovery.

The Expertise & Care Behind a Life-Changing Surgery

Dr. Imri Amiel, a senior surgeon in Sheba’s Trauma and Emergency Surgery Unit, led the highly complex operation that combined hernia repair with skin fold removal. Fully informing David of all inherent risks, the surgical team was committed to success despite the procedure’s difficulty. Remarkably, while other centres predicted a 10-hour surgery with uncertain outcomes, the Sheba team completed the operation in five hours with excellent results. David credited much of his positive recovery experience to Sheba’s attentive care, highlighting in particular his medical coordinator, Galit. Her understanding and professionalism provided steady reassurance during his hospital stay, ensuring his needs were continuously met.

A New Lease on Life

Following his surgery, David experienced a faster and smoother recovery than expected. The transformation was profound, he was finally free from years of pain and discomfort. With renewed mobility, David now looks forward to everyday activities, such as shopping with his wife and simply moving without pain or fatigue.

At 42, Evelina discovered two lumps in her right breast. Facing uncertainty, she chose expert care at Sheba Medical Centre, inspired by a friend. Her journey highlights the power of expert care and family support.

A Difficult Discovery and a Bold Decision

Living in Bulgaria, Evelina was balancing work and family when her routine self-examination uncovered two lumps. Although local doctors urged immediate surgery, Evelina hesitated, trusting her instincts to explore all available options. Remembering how her close friend Nana had been cared for at Sheba Medical Centre, she reached out to learn more. With her family’s support, Evelina made the courageous choice to travel to Sheba’s Meirav Breast Cancer Centre for a second opinion and treatment.

Expertise and Accurate Diagnosis at Sheba

At Sheba, Evelina met Dr. Vered Noy, a breast surgeon who quickly gained her trust. Dr. Noy recommended a biopsy of a suspicious lymph node, something unavailable in Bulgaria, and the results confirmed that the cancer had spread beyond the breast. This difficult news underscored the importance of Evelina’s decision to seek treatment at Sheba, where she could access cutting-edge diagnostics and the full spectrum of care under one roof.

Coordinated Care and Family Support

Despite further concerning scans back in Bulgaria, Evelina’s determination never faltered. Returning to Sheba, she was supported by her medical coordinator, Sofia, who efficiently managed her appointments and tests. With her family standing by her side and a dedicated medical team, Evelina faced each challenge head-on, trusting the process and the skilled professionals guiding her.

Victory and Renewal: From Treatment to Triumph

Months of intensive treatment followed, and the moment Evelina heard she was cancer-free was one of profound relief and gratitude. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I’m alive, I’m here, I’m happy that I’m alive.” The care at Sheba went beyond medicine; it gave her hope, strength, and a new lease on life.

A Message of Hope for Others

Evelina recognizes that a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s hardest trials, but she hopes her story inspires courage. “It’s very hard to hear that you have cancer, but with hope and prayer, everyone can overcome it,” she says. Evelina credits her medical coordinator, Sofia, and the entire Sheba team for their kindness, clear communication, and support that made her feel safe throughout her treatment. Her husband Albert shares how difficult the shock was, but emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. Together, their story underscores the power of expert care and unwavering family love in the face of adversity.

Neyko Neykov’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a metastatic testicular tumor. Facing delays in treatment, he sought a second opinion at Sheba Medical Centre, transforming his journey into one of resilience and recovery.

A Devastating Diagnosis and Search for Timely Care

At 39, Neyko Neykov from Bulgaria was living a fulfilling life, devoted to his family and embracing his role as a loving husband. After completing multiple medical examinations, Neyko was diagnosed with a metastatic testicular tumor stemming from his left testis. The diagnosis was devastating, and despite an initial consultation in Bulgaria, delays meant his treatment wouldn’t begin until early 2024. Seeking timely intervention and comprehensive care, Neyko and his wife decided to pursue a second opinion at Sheba Medical Centre in Israel. Their goal was to find a solution that could offer not only expert treatment but also hope for the future.

A Defining Moment at Sheba Medical Centre

He was promptly scheduled for surgery under the expertise of Prof. Zohar Dotan, the esteemed Director of the Urology Department. With his wife by his side throughout the process, Neyko found solace in knowing he was receiving care from one of the best. The operation was a success, and as Neyko began his recovery journey, the unwavering support he received from the team at Sheba proved instrumental. Among the many individuals who stood out during his care, medical coordinator Galit made a lasting impression. “Galit was incredible,” Neyko noted. “Her attention to detail and compassion made a world of difference. She guided us through every step of the process, ensuring we felt comfortable and informed.” Despite the challenges he faced during recovery, Neyko’s experience at Sheba restored his hope. The expert care and compassionate approach transformed a daunting journey into one of strength and resilience.