Life Goes On
By Laura Breen Galante
Once a year, the Central Florida community comes together to celebrate kids from across the sea who deserve some cheer... at least, that’s how it was before the COVID-19 pandemic threw its viral wrench into things.
Larger Than Life is an organization that brings Israeli teens battling cancer to the U.S. to enjoy a dream vacation at some of the happiest places on Earth.
Established in 2000 in Israel, Larger Than Life operates its East Coast branch out of Orlando where volunteers work year-round to fundraise and plan itineraries for an annual Dream Trip. The organization hosts a local gala to raise funds for the trip, which is completely free for the kids.
Dedicated volunteer and two-time cancer survivor Keren Ninio has organized trips down to the last detail for a decade, but when the pandemic restricted travel – and posed particular danger to the vulnerable patients Larger Than Life serves – the momentum came to a screeching halt. The last fundraising gala was held in 2019, and the 2020 spring trip was canceled. Fast-forward to January of 2022, when Lake Mary’s Jon Molayem, the organization’s financial guru, phoned Keren. “He said, ‘When are the kids coming?’” recalls Keren, an Apopka resident.
While the Dream Trips weren’t expected to resume until 2023, at least, Jon wanted to get the ball rolling.
“He wanted to do something, a wake-up call, to show that this organization was still alive,” says Keren.
After overcoming financial and fundraising struggles in 2021, Jon was eager to give back to kids experiencing struggles of their own.
“I was super motivated to do something for the organization,” he says.
The two worked to plan a gala, which was held in an outdoor venue in Orlando’s Thornton Park on May 5, 2022, Israel Independence Day.
“We did the gala with the hope that the trip could happen a year later, and with the goal of raising money,” explains Jon.
The event brought in more than $100,000, which would eventually be used to spoil the teenagers as soon as they were cleared to travel. It was an important event for the organization, not only to raise funds, but to get the community excited to participate and volunteer.
Triumphant Return
The hard work paid off this spring when 35 kids flew from Israel and enjoyed nearly two weeks at some of Central Florida’s most popular theme parks and attractions.
While this year’s travel group was smaller than usual – past trips often included about 60 kids – it was a great success. Keren worked tirelessly for six months to plan a life-altering experience for these teenagers, to give them a much-needed respite from their medical battles. Larger Than Life works with medical professionals in Israel to ensure health clearances for the kids. The organization also secures chaperones and a traveling medical team, as the teens travel without family members.
Keren plans the daily schedule and organizes every segment of the 12-day trip – from travel documents to flights to accommodations at the Rosen Inn (which offers kosher food and snacks) to transportation to days chock-full of activities.
Larger Than Life pulls out all the stops to make the Dream Trips an unforgettable escape from everyday life, leaving these teens with cherished memories and a renewed sense of hope. The kids visit theme parks, attend an Orlando Magic game, are invited into homes for parties hosted by generous members of the community, experience a day on Bear Lake complete with boats and jet skis, and celebrate a memorable Shabbat dinner. In the past, the organization has arranged pool parties, casino nights, and helicopter rides, as well.
“Cancer is cancer, and
kids are kids. We hug
each other, we respect
each other, we laugh
together, we dance. We go
on the rides. It’s amazing”
Kids particularly enjoy the annual dinner at Taverna Opa restaurant, where an Israeli DJ spins tunes, and the kids are encouraged to dance on the tables. The DJ, a cancer survivor and trip alumnus from about 18 years ago, returns each year to entertain at the dinner. It’s like a reunion of sorts – each year, Keren reconnects with former travelers, whom she says have become family.
“And every year, my family gets bigger because I know more kids and more families,” she says.
Keren chaperones the trip with the help of generous community members – some chaperone, and others donate snacks, set up pizza dinners, and host events. The outreach has been amazing, and the connection is emotional.
“Cancer is cancer, and kids are kids,” Keren says. “We have Arab kids and Muslim kids. In this moment, you can see that we can have peace. We hug each other, we respect each other, we laugh together, we dance. We go on the rides. It’s amazing.”
To learn more about Larger Than Life and find out how you can help, email Jon at jon@acquivest.net or Keren at ninio.keren@ gmail.com, or scan the QR code on this page.
“It’s a super-open door,” says Jon. “We’re very excited to introduce more people into future activities.”
Scan me!