The Smile Train Brings Joy Around the Bend

Every year during the Jewish Festival of Purim, the "Smile Train" leaves the station. This is no ordinary trip. Hundreds of children battling cancer and their families board for a day of pure celebration in Be'er Sheva. It's a chance to step away from treatment and into a world of fun. A world built through the collaboration of CBN Israel, Israel Railway, and the charity, "Larger than Life."

"On this day there is an opportunity for children, parents, brothers, fathers, for the whole family to be together. To take a break, to take a day off and enjoy a fun family day," said Orit Tayar of "Larger than Life." "They don’t have to worry about anything. They come to a party. They have snacks. They have sweets. They have games. They have a train decorated just for them. They come to Be’er Sheva where we have different shows and amazing food with catering. There are lots of amazing partners who brought us here and helped create this event. One of our very important partners is CBN Israel. They have been helping us and guiding us. And CBN has been supporting us in every way."
For many of these families, a day like this is a rare gift. Between ongoing treatments and hospital visits, it may be the only chance they have to truly be a family again.

"Segev had brain cancer. We discovered it a little bit before he was 5 years old. He’s still learning to walk. He’s still dealing with all sorts of consequences of his illness; to walk, to talk. He’s had to learn everything from scratch," said Mor Gdolyahu, Segev’s mother. "I just see my kids and they’re very, very happy and running around here dancing, eating, like they’re having a lot of fun. Sometimes the best cure is a little bit to enjoy and have fun because it gives you strength to carry on with the consequences of this illness. I’ve also been in therapy. It gave me strength. And sometimes you go with the kids outside and the volunteers…it really, really helps us. All the family members. Thank you. We really appreciate it. It means a lot to us."

Orit Tayar added, "We really want to thank CBN Israel for the cooperation and the strong bond between us. For the desire to understand what our needs are and what children really want and need. And that is why CBN has been responsible for food and nutrition for all humanitarian needs. So thank you very much. Thank you for all this mentoring and cooperation. Together with you, the sky is the limit. We’ll continue to do a lot together. Thank you."