A Phone Call That Changed Her Life: Giora Sharaf Now Dedicates Her Life to Saving Patients
Twenty-four years ago, Giora Sharaf’s life was completely altered when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a particularly aggressive blood cancer.
However, it was a simple phone call that truly transformed his fate and motivated him to dedicate his life to helping others.
In February 2000, as the world moved on from Y2K concerns, Giora, who was then the manager of the Tamar Beach Hotel in Acre, underwent a routine medical examination at Sheba Hospital.
Confident in his good health at the age of 48, he did not expect to receive a call that would drastically change his life.
“At that time, I had started a regular fitness program and felt fantastic,” he recalls. “The day after the exam, the phone in my office rang. A doctor from Sheba informed me that I had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It was a shock, especially because I had no previous symptoms.”
Like many in his position, Giora turned to the Internet to gather information and was astonished to learn that the life expectancy for patients suffering from this condition was only three years at that time.
“After the initial shock, I chose to consult other specialists. I received three different opinions: a bone marrow transplant, medication, or a wait-and-see approach. I felt lost and helpless about my uncertain future. That’s when I decided that if I survived, I would establish an association to help patients make informed choices.” he states.
Fate intervened again shortly thereafter when he received another phone call, this time from a woman who wished to remain anonymous.
“She told me about an innovative treatment in Germany, a clinical trial for a new drug belonging to the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. She urged me to do everything possible to participate in this trial,” he recounts.
Equipped with this invaluable information, Giora was able to join the clinical trial in Germany, where he received the treatment that would save his life: “I took this medication for years, and I recently celebrated a decade without treatment, simply under observation.”
Later, he discovered that the anonymous woman who called him was none other than Linda Taher Lev, the wife of the renowned Israeli poet Yoram Taher Lev, who was also undergoing treatment for leukemia. “When I returned to Israel, I reached out to her to express my gratitude for saving my life. She explained that she wanted to remain anonymous to protect her husband’s privacy.”
Keeping her promise, Giora established the CML association in 2001, which has grown from seven patients to over 600 today, representing about 60% of patients with this illness in Israel.
He later co-founded an international association that unites 130 organizations across 100 countries to support patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
In response to increasing requests from other blood cancer patients, Giora founded the Khalil Ha’or Association, which is dedicated to patients with leukemia and lymphoma. The association focuses on four areas: patient education, psychological support, advocacy for patient rights, and representation before decision-making bodies.
“Blood cancer treatments have evolved significantly since my diagnosis. Today, patients receive targeted biological treatments, which helps them avoid chemotherapy, yielding promising results. These advancements bring hope to many patients,” Giora explained.
Giora Sharaf: From a Leukemia Diagnosis to the Creation of a Global Association
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
24 years ago, Giora Sharaf’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with leukemia, a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer. This unexpected diagnosis became the catalyst for a mission that would ultimately lead to the establishment of a supportive global community for those affected by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
The Shocking Phone Call
In February 2000, while serving as the manager of the Tamar Beach Hotel in Acre, Giora underwent a routine medical examination at Sheba Hospital. At 48 and feeling fit, he had no reason to suspect that his health was at risk. Instead, it was a phone call from his doctor that changed everything.
“The day after the exam, the phone in my office rang. A doctor informed me that I had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It was a shock, especially since I had no prior symptoms,” said Giora, recalling the moment that would forever alter the course of his life.
Desperation and Determination
After the initial shock, Giora turned to the Internet, discovering the grim reality that, at the time, the life expectancy for CML patients was only three years. This harsh reality pushed him to seek multiple expert opinions, leading to a bewildering array of treatment options: a bone marrow transplant, drug treatment, or simply postponing treatment.
Facing uncertainty, he resolved that if he survived, he would help others navigate their own health battles. “I made the decision that if I survived, I would create an association to help patients make informed decisions,” he declared.
A Hopeful Turn of Events
Just as he began to gain a sense of agency, fate intervened again through another unexpected phone call.
This time, an anonymous woman reached out to him, introducing him to an innovative treatment in Germany. She told him about a clinical trial for a new drug within the category of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Driven by a newfound hope, Giora pursued this opportunity.
The Life-Saving Clinical Trial
Thanks to the woman’s guidance, Giora participated in the clinical trial in Germany, receiving the treatment that ultimately saved his life. “I took this drug for years, and I recently celebrated a decade without treatment, under simple observation,” he shared.
Upon returning to Israel, he discovered the identity of the anonymous caller: Linda Taher Lev, the wife of renowned Israeli poet Yoram Taher Lev, who was also battling leukemia. Giora reached out to thank her, realizing her selfless act had dramatically changed his future.
The Birth of a Support Network
Founding the CML Association
In 2001, keeping his promise to help others, Giora founded the CML Association. What started as a small group of seven patients has expanded to over 600 members, representing approximately 60% of CML patients in Israel.
Giora’s impact didn’t stop there. He took the initiative to co-found an international association that connects 130 associations across 100 countries, dedicated to supporting patients dealing with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Extension to Other Blood Cancers
As demand for assistance grew, Giora established the Khalil Ha’or Association, focusing on leukemia and lymphoma patients. This organization operates on four critical fronts:
- Patient education
- Psychological support
- Exercise of patients’ rights
- Representation before decision-making bodies
Advancements in Treatment
Giora observes that blood cancer treatments have dramatically progressed since his diagnosis. “Today, patients receive targeted biological treatments, thus avoiding chemotherapy, with promising results. These advances bring hope to many patients,” he emphasized.
Success Stories
The transformation of Giora’s journey from patient to advocate has left a profound impact not only on his life but on countless others dealing with similar diagnoses. Many patients today have shared their success stories after receiving targeted therapies, illustrating how innovation can lead to improved quality of life.
Benefits of Patient Advocacy
The establishment of organizations like the CML Association provides tangible benefits to patients, including:
- Access to the latest medical information.
- Connection with healthcare professionals and other patients.
- Emotional support from those undergoing similar experiences.
- Opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
Practical Tips for Patients
For patients navigating their own health battles, consider the following tips:
- Stay Informed: Utilize credible online resources and support networks to keep up with treatment options.
- Seek second opinions: Do not hesitate to consult multiple specialists for a clearer treatment path.
- Engage with support groups: Finding community can provide emotional relief and helpful advice from peers.
- Advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to express your concerns about treatment options and seek clarification.
First-Hand Experience
As someone who transitioned from a patient to a notable advocate, Giora’s lived experience provides invaluable insight into the emotional and physical challenges posed by blood cancer. His journey showcases the power of support, the importance of perseverance, and the collective strength that patients can harness through advocacy.