Asher Amado, Outstanding Volunteer

In recognition of his years of volunteering for “Our Children”, which supports Schneider Children’s, Asher Amado received the Clalit Health Services CEO’s Award in the annual tribute ceremony for volunteers. Of 21 volunteers selected as outstanding volunteers, 6 were awarded a special prize at the recent event held in the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv.

Asher, 70, father of five children, joined the team in the Educational Center in the Oncology Department 24 years ago, and regularly reads stories to hospitalized children or tells a variety of amazing tales, some of which he makes up himself.

In 2014, Asher was struck with cancer and underwent several operations and hospitalizations. Due to excellent care and his huge desire to live and continue to contribute to society by telling children’s stories and playing music that he composed, Asher overcame his illness and returned to volunteering at the hospital.

His forte is his ability to connect and communicate with small children to encourage their cooperation and sharing of their emotions and fears about the unfamiliar and the strange, and in this way, help them to cope with their feelings and offer an outlet for their distress. His working with the children alleviates the stress of complex treatments, provides emotional relief and contributes towards the process of recovery. Asher’s efforts, spirit and cheerful countenance represent a model and symbol of endless giving.

The award ceremony was attended by Clalit CEO, Noaz Bar Nir, and saluted Clalit’s outstanding volunteers for their special contribution and their willingness to help and give their time, underscoring the values of helping others, love of your fellowman, devotion, and the spirit of volunteering.

About 500 volunteers work at Schneider Children’s through “Our Children” organization, a fundraising and resources arm and group of friends of the hospital. The non-profit aims to improve the quality of life and welfare of children through support of medical teams, equipment, technology and research studies.