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We often hear stories of resilience, centered around great public figures. We have countless books about tzadikim who come from “ordinary” homes and pushed themselves to new heights. The stories that are too frequently overlooked, though, are those which depict strong and independent individuals who somehow overcome tragic circumstances and are able to build for themselves new lives, filled with a sense of fulfillment. The story of Malkie Friedman is just that.
Malkie grew up in a large family. She has 9 other siblings. They are all married, with the exception of one brother, who has special needs. Naturally, such a large family can generate quite a financial burden, especially when there are additional therapies to pay for in order to help their son with disabilities. Malkie’s parents worked hard to support their family, but it was always a struggle.
About 5 years ago, Malkie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Being a man filled with determination and strength, he chose not to disclose the diagnosis with his children and continued his efforts to provide for his family while battling the illness. Again, despite his best efforts, it wasn’t enough and the family struggled financially.
A few years later, while on a family trip to Meron, Malkie’s mother collapsed and became unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. As a result of the illness, Malkie’s mother began to lose her eyesight. She was prescribed medication to help strengthen her eyesight, but it was not covered by the family’s medical insurance. The Friedman family was falling into greater debt.
While Malkie’s mother was recovering from her illness, Malkie’s father needed a new surgery to remove a growth in his thyroid. The surgery was difficult and he was put into a medically induced coma in order to facilitate his recovery. It wasn’t long after Malkie’s father recovered from the surgery, that he contracted Covid-19. The doctors wanted to put him on a ventilator. He was petrified, but Malkie supported him throughout the entire illness. She never disclosed the large debt their family was accumulating from medical bills.
With her father in the hospital, Malkie was left to care for her recovering mother alone. Early one morning, Malkie found her mother on the floor, with her face blue. Malkie called the medics and did everything she could to save her mother. Unfortunately, though, it was not enough. Malkie’s mother died.
Since then, Malkie’s father has been released from the hospital and has been recovering in another daughter’s house. Meanwhile, Malkie has been trying to save her father from the financial burden of their enormous debt.
Malkie recently became a Kallah and now needs to make a wedding and set up a home without any parental support. It is an extremely daunting task, and Malkie is turning to the public for help. She begs for anyone who is able to help her overcome her heartbreaking past so that she can build a better life for herself and future husband. Malkie’s story is one of perseverance and strength. Those who help can instill hope in her future.
UPDATE: Dead!
