Annual Report 2025

Letter from Our CEO

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Two years have passed since one of the darkest days in Israel’s history – the October 7th massacre.
During this time, we have walked alongside hundreds of families, widows, widowers, guardians, young adults and children left without parents.

We have witnessed firsthand that healing is not linear and that progress does not always come day by day. As one of the orphaned young adults we support told us:

“This year I just hope for more upward moments than downward ones”

The past two years have been marked by profound challenges for those we support: ongoing war, temporary housing, friends still held in captivity, fathers not yet laid to rest, and funerals renewed months after the temporary burials of October 7. Time itself has not moved at a steady pace; grief, longing, and trauma continue to weigh heavily.

And yet, alongside the pain, sparks of light have emerged.
Sparks of renewal - in weddings, in new homes built across Israel, and in the birth of a new generation, reminders that life continues even in the shadow of loss.
Sparks of courage - in young people beginning academic and vocational studies, and in those stepping into new roles of responsibility, rebuilding their households and caring for younger siblings.
Sparks of healing - in programs that bring comfort, in family trips that foster togetherness, and in journeys abroad that allow space for resilience and reflection.

From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to help the children whose parents were murdered on that day rebuild the paths of their lives. Our goal is to ensure they can grow up to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, even while carrying the weight of trauma and loss. We knew from the outset that this would not be a short-term endeavor, but a generational commitment.
Two years later, this belief is stronger than ever.

This report highlights the work we have undertaken since our founding: the programs built, the direct support provided, and the anonymous stories families have allowed us to share, offering a window into their lived experiences.

None of this would be possible without the partnership of our donors, to whom we owe deep gratitude for standing with us in this sacred work.

This fall, I will conclude my role as CEO and join the Board of Directors. I am proud to pass the leadership to Miri Yaakobi Horowitz, who will bring strength and continuity to the next chapter of our work. I am confident that under her leadership, the foundations we have laid will expand to ensure children and young adults continue to receive the support they need for many years ahead.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this sacred mission - To create an island of stability amidst turbulent waters, to help lay the bricks for new paths in the lives of those who lost so much on October 7th.

May they continue to grow into lives of meaning, hope, and fulfillment.

L’Shana Tova,
Lior Krengel

Letter from Our Chairman

As I pen these opening words of our annual report, I hold on to the hope that by the time they reach you, the war will have ended, every hostage will have returned to their homeland and loved ones, and all of our soldiers will be safely home.

At the forefront of my mind are the 532 children and teenagers who lost one or both of their parents on that devastasting day, October 7, 2023. Each carries a unique and complex story: a dream cut short too soon, a wound no child should ever endure. They are all our children – children who, in one morning, lost those most beloved to them and saw their world collapse. Many did not only lose one or both parents – they also bore witness to horrors, sustained injuries of body and soul, and lost siblings, friends, homes, and entire communities that vanished in one dark day.

When we established the Israeli Children’s Fund – Atufim B’Ahava in the first days after the tragedy, the true scale of devastation was still beyond comprehension. As days, weeks, and now two years have passed, the enormity of the loss has become tragically clear. We began as volunteers, propelled by our hearts and the determination to stand with the children. There was no time for elaborate planning – only the urgency to act and to do something meaningful in a world suddenly stripped of meaning.

Over time, our efforts matured. The Israeli Children’s Fund evolved from a volunteer initiative into a structured, professional organization. We built a system capable of providing deep, committed long-term support for 532 bereaved children. Each day brought new challenges, and every story pierced our hearts, yet we remained steadfast. We came to understand a truth both simple and profound: though we cannot restore what was lost, we can walk alongside each child, ensuring they are never alone at life’s crossroads. This is not a commitment measured in years but in decades – a 25-year promise to accompany each child from early childhood through adulthood.

Our progress has been possible only because of the extraordinary partnership and generosity of many:

To our donors: You are the beating heart of this mission. Your support is not only financial but also moral; you embody the belief that every child deserves a future of hope. Without you, this vision would not be possible.
To our volunteers: In those early days of chaos and grief, you gave what is most precious: your time, your compassion, your strength. You turned vision into action, numbers into stories of life. You remain the foundation of our work.
To our partner organizations: Thank you for your collaboration, which ensures that together we reach every child and provide comprehensive care. Your partnership is an integral part of the safety net we are weaving.
To our board members: Your leadership, clarity, and resolve have been our anchor through the most difficult times.
And, to our CEO, Lior Krengel: Your leadership over the past 18 months has been extraordinary. You built the foundations of the Israeli Children’s Fund, instilled professionalism and compassion, and transformed a volunteer effort into a professional institution capable of serving hundreds of children. As you move forward to your next chapter, we are deeply grateful that you will remain with us as a board member, ensuring continuity and vision.

We are still at the beginning of a long journey.
The 532 children need to know that when their world collapses, there is someone who will walk beside them – not only today or tomorrow, but in 5, 10, 20 years. When they enter university, enlist in the army, marry, or hold their first child, the Israeli Children’s Fund will be there.

We cannot fill the void left by their murdered parents. No one can. But together, we can create a lasting safety net – financial and emotional – that enables every child to rebuild their life with resilience, dignity, and hope.

This is our commitment. This is our mission. We are here for them for as long as they need.

On behalf of the children, and with profound gratitude for your partnership, I thank you for walking this journey with us.

With Respect and Determination,

Mody Kidon

Creating Sustained Support for the Orphaned Children of October 7

The Tragedy of October 7th

On October 7th, 2023, a devastating massacre by Hamas terrorists took the lives of over 1,200 Israeli civilians and left hundreds of children orphaned.

Beyond losing their parents, these children experienced unimaginable horrors. Many children witnessed their own parents murdered before their eyes, lost siblings, friends, and even their homes and communities were burned to the ground. The magnitude of such trauma exposes these children to heightened risk factors that could ultimately change the course of their lives.

This unprecedented tragedy created new challenges, prompting the development of new frameworks to address the complex layers of trauma these children face. We are committed to supporting 532 orphaned children as they navigate this new reality for the years ahead, providing them with the tools and resources to give every child their best chance at building fulfilling futures. As a society, we believe it is our collective responsibility to help these children rebuild, heal, and move forward.

Establishing the Israeli Children’s Fund – Atufim B'Ahava

The Israeli Children’s Fund – Atufim B'Ahava was established by leaders in Israel’s business and tech sectors to walk alongside the orphaned children and the remaining families through the long and difficult journey of healing and rebuilding life.

Guided by a clear purpose, our mission is to provide the orphaned children sustained support that addresses both immediate needs and long-term recovery.

Through trusted, professional relationships, we provide guidance and assistance to help families navigate their profoundly changed realities. We foster connections and a sense of belonging through peer groups focused on shared life experiences rather than loss, and provide financial and professional resources tailored to each orphaned child’s interests and needs.

Transparency, authenticity, and a rehabilitation-oriented approach guide every step, helping orphaned children rebuild their lives with resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.

We work in close partnership with government entities and other organizations to ensure that the unique needs of these children are met holistically.

532 Orphaned Children and Young Adults

At the Israeli Children’s Fund, we support the children of civilians and emergency response teams who lost one or both parents on October 7th.

The children we support come from families across all segments of Israeli society: kibbutzim and moshavim in the Gaza Envelope, Ofakim, Sderot, Bedouin communities, and other towns and cities in southern, central, and northern Israel. Some are new immigrants, barely having had time to understand the culture or navigate new government bureaucracies, but now face intense hardships without relatives nearby to rely on.

Each child carries their own individual circumstances, yet all are equally deserving of a healing journey tailored to their needs.

Child’s Age

Number of Children

0-6

118

7-14

179

22-25

15-17

18-21

26+

Different Needs, Different Realities

A toddler's needs differ significantly from a child's needs, which vary considerably from those of a teen or a young adult. For children from communities near the Gaza border, many must navigate the loss of their parents and the physical destruction of their homes. Yet, they may have the chance to grieve surrounded by a community with a shared heartbreak. For orphaned children in central or northern Israel whose parents were murdered at the Nova festival, their homes remain intact, but they often face deep emotional isolation as many serve as the only orphans among their peers.

Each child has their own story, shaped not only by what happened on October 7th but also by who they were and the resources they had in their lives until that day. The foundation for their recovery is built on their pre-existing circumstances, strengths, and challenges.

Our organizational structure and approach reflect these complexities, allowing us to provide need-based support that meets each child where they are, with sensitivity to their age, socioeconomic background, and cultural context.

A comprehensive and personalized support system

We have developed two primary support systems:

1. Long-term Financial Support: Our Grants System

Families and young adults can apply for our grants year-round. The surviving parent or guardian applies on behalf of children under 18, while young adults 18 and above apply independently. Our Family Coordinators offer guidance throughout the application process, and upon approval from the Central Grant Committee meetings, the grants are awarded.

Central Grant Committee

The Central Grant Committee is an independent body comprising professionals whose expertise aligns with the organization’s mission - including a retired judge, specialists in psychology and trauma, former government officials experienced in national benefits programs, the CEO, and a board member of the Israeli Children’s Fund. Each member contributes unique insights, ensuring that every decision is informed, balanced, and compassionate.

Meeting eight times a year, the committee reviews grant requests across the organization’s three core categories - Life Milestones, Rehabilitation and Resilience, and Education - ensuring all allocations are guided by integrity, fairness, transparency, and good governance.

Rehabilitation and Resilience Grants

Rehabilitation and Resilience Grants are flexible, personalized grants designed to meet the evolving needs of the children, empowering them to heal in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.

They fund a broad range of therapeutic and stabilizing supports - from emotional therapies and wellness activities to creative workshops, sports, animal therapy, and holistic treatments. These experiences provide vital anchors in a child’s emotional and social recovery.

In some cases, the grants also cover essential home adjustments - helping children feel safe and comfortable in their living spaces, or supporting relatives who have welcomed orphaned siblings into their homes.

At the heart of this model is choice: each child is encouraged to take an active role in their recovery. As they grow, their needs change — and we ensure their support grows with them.

Education Grants

Education Grants provide support for both formal and informal education — from preschool through university — as well as extracurricular activities and summer camps.

This assistance ensures that children grow up in enriching environments that nurture their development, while young adults have the opportunity to pursue higher education and realize their academic aspirations.

Life Milestone Grants

Life Milestone Grants honor life’s most meaningful moments - occasions that, before October 7th, were filled with joy but now carry a deep emotional complexity. These moments can feel incomplete without the presence of parents and loved ones, and many families face financial hardship that makes meaningful celebration difficult.

By supporting events such as bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and the birth of a first child, these grants help transform painful absences into moments of connection and healing. They enable families to mark milestones in ways that are both personally resonant and restorative.

This category also includes assistance for significant life purchases - such as a first car - providing orphaned young adults with independence and access to work or education. For families now dispersed across the country, reliable transportation serves as a vital bridge, helping them remain connected and care for one another.

2. Professional, Emotional, and Social Accompaniment

Family Relations Coordinators

Our dedicated Family Relations Coordinators serve as trusted advocates and bridges, identifying needs and helping the families navigate available resources and entitlements.

This year our team grew to include more trained social workers serving as Family Coordinators, identifying the real-time needs of the children we support. Our dedicated Family Coordinators work closely with beneficiaries, building strong, trust-based relationships grounded in compassion.

This structure fosters relationships of trust while addressing the needs of each group both collectively and individually. It also provides families and young adults with the reassurance that the Family Coordinators are there whenever they need support. Coordinators provide resources and guidance for grant applications, connect families with partner organizations, advocate on their behalf, and ensure alignment between requests and available programs:

“On Our Way” — A Mentorship Program Supporting Young Adults at Pivotal Life Moments

The “On Our Way” Mentorship Program is designed for young adults, who are at pivotal moments in their lives, mostly after their military service. For many Israelis, this stage marks their first steps into adulthood. For those affected by October 7th, this transition comes with added responsibilities—some are caring for younger siblings, others are taking over family businesses, shouldering family duties, and many have been thrust into adult roles prematurely, all while trying to navigate their own futures.

The program provides orphaned young adults with a support system tailored to these unique challenges. It offers a safe space where they are seen, heard, and empowered to express their emotions, helping them balance newfound independence with the mature roles they now must assume, while fostering confidence in themselves as they build their futures.

Providing Each Participant with a Trusted Mentor

At its core, the program is about relationships — pairing each participant with a trusted mentor to walk alongside them on their own journey. Mentors provide encouragement, support, and guidance, allowing participants to make decisions at their own pace. Acting as sidekicks, mentors help the young adults clarify goals, pursue aspirations, and navigate life. They also assist with networking, connections, and exposure to relevant fields, creating pathways for personal and professional growth.

Peer Group Support and The Chance to Reclaim Their Path

This program addresses not only the compounded challenges of young adulthood, trauma, and loss, but also the shared desire of these young adults to pursue their dreams and shape their futures. The Peer Group component provides a support network of other orphaned young adults, connected not by what they lost, but by the common challenges they face—career paths, studies, and next steps. Through group activities based around a variety of interests, participants build connections with one another, offering understanding, encouragement, and shared guidance. With the support of dedicated mentors and the peer group, participants are empowered to reclaim their path and move toward a future of stability and purpose.

Bedouin Family Support & Liaison Program

One of our core commitments is to reach every child who lost a parent on October 7th — without exception. When we learned that dozens of children and young adults from the Bedouin community had been orphaned, we recognized the need for a culturally tailored response.

The Unique Challenge

The Bedouin community in Israel faces deeply complex collective trauma. As Israeli citizens, they were directly harmed by terror, yet as an Arab minority, they often face isolation, discrimination, and mistrust. This community also resides on the periphery of Israel, contending with socio-economic challenges and distinct standards of living. Beyond financial aid, effectively supporting this population requires assistance that respects and honors their unique culture, language, family traditions, customs, and identity. We strive to help these families navigate the realities of being both Israeli citizens and Arab minorities without judgment.

Bedouin Family Liaisons

We recognized that supporting these families requires adapting our responses to the unique cultural and social context of Bedouin society. To achieve this, we partnered with “A New Dawn in the Negev,” an NGO that develops and implements programs in education, welfare, health, research, and environmental quality to support vulnerable populations in the Negev. In collaboration with their team, we established a dedicated family support and liaison program based on the principle of providing culturally adapted care in Bedouin homes and backyards. Two trained Bedouin Family Liaisons—professionals in education and therapy with strong backgrounds in social activism—received cultural competence training from New Dawn. They now serve as both professional and cultural bridges between our organization and bereaved Bedouin families, working closely with one of our Family Coordinators.

Opening Up Opportunities for Family Time

For guardians and single parents, daily life often revolves around essentials—food, transportation, and managing routines—leaving little room for leisure or creating lasting memories. Yet, quality family time is essential for emotional well-being. Recognizing the pressures of everyday life, we strive to open up opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together.

Partnership with Hi-tech Zone

While our primary focus is supporting orphaned children, we recognize that lasting impact comes from strengthening the entire family unit. We’ve partnered with Hightech Zone to provide our beneficiaries with access to the membership platform offering discounted goods, entertainment and experiences—opportunities that are often out of reach for the families we serve. This resource makes quality time more accessible and affordable, helping families create meaningful moments of joy and connection all year round. It also puts resources at their fingertips, allowing beneficiaries to select experiences that best suit their interests, depending on the season or time of year.

Our Support in Numbers

Granted since October 2023

8.7M NIS

888

Grants Delivered

223

Emergency Relief Grants

407

Rehabilitation and Resilience Grants

143

Formal and Non-Formal Education Grants

103 Life Milestone Grants

127

Resilience and Emotional Support Grants

43

Higher Education Grants

14

Wedding Grants

3 First-Child Grants

Defining Moments: Stories From The Field

We are honored to share some of the stories of the orphaned children, teens, and young adults we support. Each story has been thoughtfully written to protect the identity of our beneficiaries and is shared with their permission, giving a glimpse into how they continue to move forward despite unimaginable trauma and loss.

1. Supporting a Family of Nine Orphaned Children

The R. family, a household of nine children in the city of Ofakim, experienced a devastating loss on the morning of October 7th, when their father was tragically murdered while on his way to early holiday prayers at the synagogue. He had been a devoted caregiver, especially to his eldest daughter, T., who has lived with physical and cognitive disabilities since birth.

Since that day, T.’s condition has worsened. She stopped working at her accessible workplace, which her father used to drive her to, and as her physical health declined, she was hospitalized. The murder of their father left the nine siblings carrying profound grief while stepping into the many roles their father once held. Support from the Israeli Children’s Fund has addressed the needs of each child while strengthening the family as a whole.

The family received a wide range of assistance, including Rehabilitation and Resilience Grants, Life Milestone Grants, and practical support. Medical equipment for T., allowing her to remain at home rather than in the hospital and a vehicle for brother N., enabling him to transport T. to medical treatments and assist with household responsibilities are two examples.

The family shares:

"Since October 7th, we have felt embraced by the organization, led by our amazing Family Coordinators, Hila and Tom. From the moment we met them, it has felt as if we became one family. They share our complex situation, help in any way they can, advise, and support us in everything we need."

"For T., a pressure-relief mattress has helped with her chronic pressure sores. S., 11, attends drawing and music classes that are therapeutic, empowering, and socially enriching — she never misses a lesson. N. loves her sewing class and has even made clothes for herself. You have no idea what these activities mean to the children — instead of medications or psychologists, these experiences give them so much."

"Above all, the family vacation during Passover, with activities for everyone, and the summer vacation for the girls to recharge for the next school year… everything was given with joy and love, as if we were the only family in the organization. We are endlessly grateful for this incredible support."

2. Supporting a Young Mother and Her Newborn Through Loss and Early Parenthood

A young couple was expecting their first baby. In the final months of her pregnancy, the woman’s partner went to the Nova music festival with friends, where he was murdered — never having the chance to meet his daughter. After his murder, she returned to live with her parents, and while on maternity leave, she was unable to work.

Since the baby’s birth, the Israeli Children’s Fund has stepped in to support both mother and child — meeting the baby’s needs while helping the mother work toward financial stability. Support included sleep consultation for baby A., essential baby equipment, and mother-and-baby classes that allowed K. to return to work.

The mother shares, “Thanks to your assistance, I was able to get professional sleep consulting for A., which helped us immensely (you saved me countless hours of bedtime struggles and frustration). We also participated in developmental classes and activities, and not to mention all the help I received from the childcare helper.

This support gives us moments of routine, joy, and a chance to breathe during this challenging period. You are part of our journey, and my heart is full of appreciation and gratitude for the generosity and love you give to us and to other families as well.”

3. Music as a Source of Comfort Helping Teen Navigate His Mother’s Loss

B., a teenager from a city in central Israel, lost his mother when she was tragically murdered on the road in southern Israel on October 7th. Now preparing to begin his final year of high school, he has shown remarkable resilience—finishing 11th grade with outstanding achievements and top scores on his exams.

In the wake of his loss, B . turned to music as a source of comfort and expression. His father shared that after October 7th, B. began learning to play the guitar and quickly found how meaningful it became to him. Since then, he has received lessons from an inspiring teacher, joined a band with friends, started releasing original songs, and performs with his school’s music group.

The opportunity to purchase a guitar and receive private lessons was made possible through a Rehabilitation and Resilience Grant from the Israeli Children’s Fund. This support has allowed B. to deepen his passion for music—empowering him through creativity and inspiring connection in everyone who listens to the music he creates.

Beyond receiving financial support, B .’s father shares the impact of working with our dedicated Family Coordinators, “I want to thank the organization’s liaisons, who, as I believe, are doing sacred work by guiding and supporting the bereaved families. When I have spoken with other victims who have not yet managed to recover, they share that often interactions with such topics can bring them back to their grief, and even with the best of intentions can bring negativity and pull them down. However, your ability to stay strong shows them light and hope, bringing them out of this place. Thank you.”

4. Horses, Healing and Hope

A., a Bedouin mother of two, lost her husband on October 7th when he was murdered while working on the Gaza border. She experienced early challenges communicating with liaisons from state institutions unfamiliar with Bedouin culture. Through her determination, she led her family from a deep crisis — where they were afraid to leave the house — to a gradual return to normalcy. Today, her son plays in a sports club and her daughter excels in school, though gaps in therapy and education remain.

Their liaison met with A. weekly, both in person and on Zoom, helping her prioritize needs from financial stability to emotional support. One breakthrough came when the liaison located a nearby therapeutic horseback riding center, reigniting an activity her children loved but had to give up due to distance.

In her request for support, A. wrote:
"My daughter experienced a profound loss when her father was murdered. She has struggled with sadness, confusion, and inner distress, often unable to put her feelings into words. Over time, I’ve seen her deep connection to animals — especially horses. Being with horses brings her calm, security, and release, giving her a safe emotional space to relax, open up, and experience moments of joy and serenity. This is not just leisure; it is a therapeutic tool that can significantly strengthen her mental health, self-esteem, and sense of belonging."

5. Young Woman Receives Support in Pursuit of her Academic Dreams

T, from Ofakim, was raised by a single mother without any father figure. On October 7th, at 21 years and 10 months old, her mother was murdered by terrorists in a minibus in Sderot during an organized trip, outside a locked bomb shelter. Suddenly, T. was left without her only anchor in life.

Through support from the Israeli Children’s Fund Rehabilitation and Resilience Grants, she has pursued activities to strengthen her mental and physical well-being. T. has also received a Higher Education Grant, and over the past year, worked tirelessly to gain acceptance into the academic program she had set her sights on.

T. shares, “On October 7th, I lost my mother. I had no father before, so I was left completely alone at a young age. The state wasn’t there for me—but you were. The Israeli Children’s Fund supported me after the incident, helping me recover and giving me the tools to continue my life and heal from the disaster. Thanks to your help in every area of life, I even enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, which for me is no small thing. Thank you for being there for me and giving me someone to turn to.”

6. A Bride’s Pre-Wedding Ceremony of Remembrance

A young adult lost her father when he was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas during the events of October 7th. She was preparing for her wedding - one of life’s most joyous milestones- and now faced the heartbreaking reality of walking down the aisle without her beloved father by her side. Although nothing could fill the void of not having him there, or at future celebrations, she sought a way to transform her pain into a meaningful opportunity to honor his memory.

To do so, she decided to host a women’s gathering ahead of her wedding—a Jewish ceremony centered on remembrance, connection, and healing. The Israeli Children’s Fund supported her through a Wedding Grant, helping her both celebrate her wedding and create a pre-wedding ceremony, a space where she could draw strength and pay tribute to her father in a deeply personal way.

She shares: “Instead of having my father walk me down the aisle, I am left with an immense void. This ceremony allowed me, together with the women of my family and my friends, to surround myself with light, remember him, speak about him, cry and smile—and turn the pain into strength.” She adds, “For me, it is not ‘just another pre-wedding event’—it is a deep ceremony that allows me to pause amidst all the excitement and give real space to my loss. It is an opportunity to remember my father not only through sadness but also through life—collecting the parts of him that live within me and carrying them into this new chapter I am creating.”

7. Having the Means to Carry On a Father’s Legacy

On October 7th, a father was tragically murdered at the Nova Festival, leaving behind his wife and their two sons in their early 20s, along with the business he had built. In the midst of profound grief, the two brothers chose to honor their father’s legacy by taking over his business—both to support their family and to find shared purpose during the difficult time.

The work requires frequent travel and reliable transportation. Y., the younger brother, had been relying on a 16-year-old car that frequently broke down, creating safety risks. To help Y. gain safe, reliable access to work, and to foster his professional and personal independence, the Israeli Children’s Fund provided him with a grant to purchase a vehicle.

Y. shares, “The grant allowed me to buy a car that suits my needs, which also enabled me to be more independent and take a more active role in the business.”

8. Supporting an Immigrant Family to Reconnect and Heal

The L. family immigrated to Israel from Ukraine in 2022, seeking to build a beautiful life in Israel. Tragically, conflict followed them from one country to another: Y., just 5 years old at the time, lost his father on October 7th, when he was murdered while fishing at Zikim Beach. Y. was his father’s only son, and they shared a deep bond. The loss weighed heavily on both Y. and his mother.

With ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel, the L. family had been separated from close relatives abroad for a long time. With few connections in Israel and after enduring so much trauma, the need and desire to be close to family became even more urgent.

Understanding the unique challenges this family faced—as new immigrants navigating cultural differences and coping with trauma from two wars, we supported Y. and his mother in utilizing one of our Rehabilitaion and Resilience Grants to travel abroad to spend quality time with their relatives. About a year and a half after October 7th, they were finally able to make the journey.

His mother shares, “Thanks to the support, Y. was able to meet his relatives—a tremendously important experience for him during this period. The meetings strengthened his sense of support and family connection, and reminded him that he is not alone, but part of a large, loving family. He spent precious moments with his uncle, the brother of his late father, as well as with other family members. He now carries positive emotions and is in lifted spirits.”