Partners on the Journey: From Illness to Compassion

Twelve patients from the Multiple Sclerosis Unit took part in the course, which is the first of its kind in Israel. It combines theoretical training with ongoing professional guidance and peer-to-peer support. Participants received practical tools, hands-on training, continuous support, and advanced training sessions led by a professional team. 

The program is based on the "Chemlah" (compassion) model, developed by Reut Rivka Pima. It draws on her personal experience as a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient diagnosed at a young age and from years of work with the MS community. 

"Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease, both to diagnose and live with," explains Dr. Ofir Zmira, neurologist and Multiple Sclerosis Unit Director at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. "The idea of 'veteran' patients with the disease who can share their clinical and emotional experience with others and support individuals who have been newly diagnosed with MS is not new. This is a very specific challenge that we as health care practitioners can support from the clinical perspective, but there are additional challenges in daily life that require adaptation.” 

Workshop for multiple sclerosis patients training to serve as peer mentors in the Multiple Sclerosis Unit at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

The model takes a holistic approach to living with MS, addressing social, personal, physical and emotional aspects. It focuses on practical tools designed to support meaningful change in daily life, rather than remaining at a purely theoretical level. 

"The first group of mentors is diverse, with the goal of offering support across different genders, languages and age groups," says Mahmoud Abu Halaf, a clinical nurse specialist in the Neurology Department. 

"What makes this program unique is that the support doesn't end when the mentors complete the course. They work within a supportive system that includes the course instructor, the hospital's medical and psychosocial team, and the Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society. This ensures responsible, ongoing and supervised support over time," says Janine Wassberg, CEO of the Israel Multiple Sclerosis Society, which provides support and guidance for the program as part of an extensive range of activities for MS patients in Israel. 

The patient-mentors who completed the course have already begun working as peer mentors for the clinic's patients. The program joins the range of innovative services and initiatives led by the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in recent years, with the goal of integrating professional medical care with compassionate, community-based and practical support.