WHAT IS PLACE2HEAL?
Place2Heal, a non-profit organization headquartered in Israel, was founded on a profound mission: to be a beacon of solace and hope for those navigating the challenging journey of cancer. We firmly believe in the transformative power of environment, which is why we've embarked on a mission to revitalize spaces within cancer treatment centers across Israeli hospitals. Our goal is simple yet profound: infuse these spaces with positivity and wellness to alleviate the daunting fear and stress often associated with a cancer diagnosis.
But our mission extends beyond the individual patient. We recognize the ripple effect of cancer, impacting not just patients but also their caregivers and families. Studies have underscored the detrimental effects of stress on recovery and overall well-being. With this understanding, Place2Heal is steadfast in its commitment to cultivating warm, healing environments that offer comfort and support to patients and their loved ones throughout their journey.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, we remain true to our core principles while also adapting to meet emerging needs. In response to the traumatic effects of the ongoing conflict in Israel, we've broadened our focus to extend our healing touch to those impacted by the ravages of war. In many ways, the challenges we face echo the emotional turbulence experienced by cancer patients and their families.
Our current flagship project, the Resilience Room at Wolfson Medical Centre, stands as a testament to our commitment to healing. This sanctuary is dedicated to the trauma-surgical staff, the unsung heroes who tirelessly work around the clock. They deserve not only our admiration but also vital mental health support. The Resilience Room provides them with a space to unwind, process the daily horrors they witness, and ultimately, rejuvenate their spirits. We believe that by caring for those who care for others, we can have a profound impact not just on their well-being but also on their ability to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Join us in our journey to create spaces of healing and hope, where resilience thrives, and where every individual finds the support they need to navigate life's toughest challenges
WHAT WE DO
There are 27 cancer centers in Israel and 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer every year. We at Place2Heal plan to create healing spaces for as many cancer patients and their families as possible.
Place2Heal works with hospital staff, interior designers and engineers to renovate spaces in which cancer patients receive treatments.
Using calm lighting and visuals, comfortable furniture, warm colors and cool textiles, Place2Heal carves out privacy and serenity for patients and their loved ones, even during stressful times.
Our philosophy is based on the concept of Evidence Based Healthcare Design (EBHD), where studies have shown that our environment has a direct impact on our mood and stress levels.
Place2Heal has taken upon itself the responsibility to make an impact on Israeli society. As we create a calmer and more soothing ambiance, we allow cancer patients in Israel to focus on wellness over illness.
HOW WE WORK
P2H actively seeks partnerships with hospitals requiring enhancements to their treatment units, initiating collaborative discussions to optimize healing environments.
We engage closely with hospital leadership, engineering teams, and interior designers to assess patient volumes and space requirements meticulously.
Following the establishment of a comprehensive budget and project vision, we leverage volunteer resources and in-kind donations to streamline costs effectively.
Upon budgetary approval, our team orchestrates a thorough design process encompassing color schemes, furniture selection, window treatments, and more. We meticulously source premium materials nationwide, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising quality.
Regular site visits ensure adherence to rigorous standards, while ongoing communication with hospital stakeholders ensures alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Upon project completion, we oversee the delivery and assembly of furnishings and carpentry, culminating in the realization of an enhanced healing space.
MEET JUDY
Place2Heal was founded by Judy Bogen in 2016. In 1993, Judy made Aliyah from the United Kingdom. Together with her husband Robert, she raised three children. Judy has enjoyed a career in marketing, human resources, and general administration. In 2008, she and her family were on shlichut in Silver Spring, MD in the United States, when she was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3 breast cancer. Judy underwent surgeries and four months of grueling chemotherapy. She was treated at the Suburban Medical Center in Bethesda MD. Her doctors, Dr. Rebecca Kaltman and Dr. Pamela Wright supported her every step of the difficult journey. When she returned to Israel in 2011, she had follow up care in a Jerusalem Medical Center. While her care was outstanding and the staff caring and professional, the condition of the outpatient centers weighed heavily on her mind. Having seen how beautiful and calming centers could be, she decided to bring about change here in Israel’s cancer treatment centers. Judy studied the correlation between one’s emotional state and one’s surroundings, and in 2016 established Place2Heal. “I founded Place2Heal to encourage patient-centered care and to improve the patient’s experience in the hospital. “The professional treatment in Israel is excellent, but the physical environment leaves much to be desired and I want to change that in every center that needs us,” says Judy. “My personal experience has led me on a journey that I never thought I would take. My cancer sent me on this journey, but it does not define who I am. I have taken this mission on myself and will continue to work tirelessly to improve the conditions in oncology day care unites in Israeli hospitals.” Judy serves as the Head of the organization, with the assistance and support of Place2Heal’s Board Members: Efrat Benjamin, Shira Brodie, Benji Pushett, Dr.Carolyn Weiniger, Daniel Barnett and Jonathan Finkelstone, Rebecca Barnett.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“Being able to undergo chemotherapy in a comfortable environment made all the difference to me. I had a view, a place I could escape to in my mind. The room was painted in soft colors and the chairs were comfortable. Sometimes, I would sleep for several hours during my treatment and the low noise level and soft chairs made that possible. My husband also had a comfortable chair for the duration of the treatment. This too is important as we were there for many hours at a time. Chemotherapy was a very challenging time in my life and my surroundings at the treatment center helped me through this, as did the very kind staff who always reminded me that I was not alone.”
Judy, age 51
IN HONOR OF CHERYL STERN
Judy Bogen, Founder of Place2Heal remembers Cheryl Stern, as her inspiration for creating this unique organization:
“In the winter of 2009, I’d recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sitting at my daughters’ basketball game, I was introduced to Cheryl. She was diagnosed two weeks after me, which instantly created a bond. We had started this journey together, and I had hoped we would finish it together too.
Cheryl worked in the school library and we spent time, either talking or emailing, about our treatment, side effects and general day to day struggles. Cheryl had a strength that was like nothing I had ever seen. She would get up in the morning, go to work or to shul, socialize and simply push herself to carry on, despite this terrible disease coursing through her body.
She was always positive and full of life, even hosting a bar mitzvah for her son just a week after finishing treatments. How she found the physical and emotional strength – I will never know. When the time came for my family and I to return to Israel, Cheryl and I stayed in touch, sending notes of support and phone calls of our ups and downs.
Cheryl’s cancer returned and then returned again. During this entire ordeal, she was lively and inspiring, always getting as much as she could out of her day. She was determined and strong, with a supernatural capacity to overcome challenges. I was devastated when we lost her. I will never forget receiving the news that her light had finally gone out. The comfort and friendship she added to my life inspired the creation of Place2Heal.”
