In collaboration with Mifal Hapais
Imagine for a moment a world where every step is a struggle and every movement is unbearable pain. A world where your dreams seem further away than ever. This was the world of Rotem Sadot, a 25-year-old young woman from Ra'anana, whose cruel car accident robbed her of not only her health, but also her hope for the future. But then came the Amit Melave project of Mifal Hapais in collaboration with the "Next Step" organization, and suddenly, amid the pain and confusion, Rotem discovered something amazing. She is no longer alone in this journey.
When the body betrays, and the mind wins
Three years ago, Rotem was run over and suffered a serious ankle injury. "My ankle crashed," she says, "but the worst was yet to come." Following the injury, she developed CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). Rotem describes: "It took six months until I was diagnosed. I experienced burning sensations, tingling, and excruciating pain. The condition deteriorated and the disease went up to my knee."
CRPS is a chronic pain syndrome, characterized by severe pain, changes in skin color, swelling, and temperature changes in the affected area. Despite many treatments, Rotem's condition continued to deteriorate. "I tried everything," she says, "from medical cannabis to different types of medication. But the habit didn't respond. It just didn't work."The worst came when infection and necrosis set in, leading to the difficult decision to perform an above-knee amputation. "At first I thought it was bleeding or the disease," Rotem recalls, "because there was no fever, they only saw signs in the blood test. Then they hospitalized me and decided to amputate."
Light at the end of the tunnel
Precisely in these difficult moments, the Amit Melave project came into the picture. The project, which aims to connect old and new amputees, gave Rotem two companions - Roni and Moran.
Roni, whom Shrutam knew through Tiktok even before the amputation, was there for her in the most difficult moments. "We talked a lot on the phone," Rotem says, "and Roni promised to come meet me after the amputation."
Moran, the second attendant, arrived at a critical moment - Kosher had to shower for the first time after the operation. "If Moran hadn't come, I wouldn't have showered," Rotem admits. "I became afraid because of the patterns of the disease. My mother and the nurse at the hospital didn't know how to talk to me at all. Luckily, Moran came and helped me. She changed something in my thinking."
First steps to a new future
Now, less than a month after the amputation, Rotem is already preparing to receive her prosthesis. "On 24.6 there is a committee," she says excitedly, "and usually a week later you get a prosthesis."
Despite the challenges, Rotem shows inspiring optimism. "From the moment I remember after the surgery, the only thing I wanted was to get out of bed," she says. "Despite the instructions to lie down for 24 hours, after 12 hours I was already doing Krav Maga training. I was not in pain. I felt relieved, liberated, a new person who can now do everything. With my leg I was like in a cage. I was really happy to get rid of my leg. Before the amputation I was a suffering person And I'm nervous and today I'm back to being Rotem."
A supportive and embracing community
The Amit Melave project not only provides personal support, but also creates a supportive community for amputees. Rotem tells about a meeting of young people where she enjoyed meeting other young friends in her situation. "It's a sense of belonging," she says, "it's a kind of second home."
Rotem also uses TikTok to share her experiences and help new amputees. "I upload a lot of my experiences to TikTok," she explains, "to help new amputees. I'm glad that Mifal Hapais decided to support this project, and maybe I too will be able to be a fellow companion of a new amputee soon, and help as many people as possible."
A look to the future
The Amit Melave project has proven to be especially vital in recent times, with the addition of dozens of new amputees following the Iron Swords War. "I meet a lot of soldiers in Tel Hashomer," Rotem points out.
Despite the challenges, Rotem continues to dream and aim high. She proudly talks about a new hobby she has adopted: "I ride bulldrum, which is a new type of cycling. These are normal bikes on which I only ride with one leg."
Rotem's story highlights the enormous importance of support, community, and understanding in the recovery and rehabilitation process of amputees. The project provides not only practical help, but also hope and a sense of belonging to those facing similar challenges.
"It's a privilege to be part of the community of amputees," Rotem concludes, "caring for one another is something that warms the heart. It's a life-saving organization."