Lian arrived at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran as an infant, some seven years ago. She had been born very prematurely, in her 25th week, and as a result, had a host of severe physical disabilities. Doctors did not think she would survive, and she was brought to live at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s High Dependency Unit.

Lian was unable to eat or walk independently. She breathed through a cannula tube inserted into her neck, was fed through a PEG feeding tube, and walked with a walker. However, despite these challenges, Lian was always a happy, sociable, and energetic little girl. Miraculously, with years of love, dedicated care and state-of-the- art therapies at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, Lian is now eating and walking independently. And, she is going home, to be integrated within her family, household, and community.

On July 14, a festive goodbye party for Lian was held at the village, attended by residents, staff, National Service and other volunteers and, of course, Lian’s family. During the party, a movie was screened with pictures of Lian, and the National Service girls presented her with an album of photos that they had prepared for her. Lian’s parents also brought a gift – a bag of sweets with a note of thanks for the dedicated and family-like care that Lian had received over the years.

Lian will be leaving ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran to return to her family home in August, at the end of the school year. In September, she will begin studying at the special education school in Hura.

It is very emotional for the staff to part from Lian after all these years of living with her smile and watching her incredible progress. But, of course, everyone is thrilled that she will now be able to live her life like other children. We wish Lian all the best in her new life, and hope that she will come to visit us in the future.