QUICK FLIGHT SAVES BABY’S SIGHT
Six months into a normal pregnancy, a young mother visiting Albany, New York, went into labor and gave birth prematurely to a baby boy.
The months that follow include numerous tests and meticulous observation of the baby’s development. In November, it is determined that he needs immediate
eye surgery that means the difference between sight and blindness, r”l.
The parents quickly contact ECHO, a medical referral service in Monsey, New York. They are told of a specialist in Cleveland, Ohio, who is an expert in the exact procedures that the baby needs. Surgery is scheduled for 7am the next morning. It is assumed that the baby will be transferred from Albany by ambulance, but the clock is ticking and Cleveland is hundreds of miles away.
Monroe Hatzolah advises the parents to call Rabbi Leider, who is well-known for his involvement in numerous transfers similar to this. Immediately, he begins the arduous task of completing paper work and working through the red tape between the hospitals.
Within hours, an air ambulance jet lands in Albany, equipped with specialized machinery and medical personnel who care for the baby during the hour flight to Cleveland. Miraculously, the baby arrives with more than enough time to be prepared for surgery. The miracle continues with the success of the surgery itself.
When asked about Rabbi Leider’s involvement, the parents express their gratitude that, during such a difficult and trying time, they could rely on him to help carry their burden and give them the serenity of knowing that every detail was covered. More than this however, they are thankful that his untiring efforts helped ensure that their baby would have the ability to one day meet and see the man who made it all possible.
