Is Israel on the Cusp of More Knowledge and Collaboration?

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

Israelis are generally literate and informed. Still, until recently there was little for them in their native Hebrew and many seem utterly lost in dealing with prostate cancer; in this they are hardly unique. The lack of knowledge about prostate cancer has until recently been accentuated by a seeming reluctance to talk (I know a number of Israelis who are absolutely mum about their diagnoses, seemingly more so than Americans).

There are signs of change. Among the most obvious signs is Prime Minister's Ehud Olmert's unprecedented move to openly talk about his prostate cancer and bring in every member of Knesset for a digital rectal exam. A second is the emergence of such activists as Lenny Hirsch, founder of the Living With Prostate Cancer Foundation. Lenny has established a network of patients, activists, and doctors and is facilitating the sharing of knowledge.

Here are a few highlights from a trip to Israel in which my impressions from afar have been fortified:

Jet lagged yet amazingly ready for breakfast. With my mother-in-law.

With a friend whose brother-in-law was diagnosed with Gleason 10 prostate cancer. Such friends are invaluable to gaining insights about need and resources.

Finally meeting Lenny, the man behind the brochure and among the most approachable and devoted men in prostate cancer
.

Living with Prostate Cancer brochure. Lenny, maybe put the web site on the front: http://www.shalomprostate.co.il/

The cumquats are ripe at the Krongrad home, as are the lemons, pomellas, oranges, and funny pear-shaped fruit that tastes like tangerines. Still, it's not the same without the chickens.

With the boys at Ezra leMarpe, run by the unequalled Rav Firer and by far the most resourceful and effective medical charity I know. I spent some time talking with the Rav, whose knowledge about medical facts, institutions, and doctors is unimaginable. He took off on tangents from cardiology to pediatrics. At one point I had to ask him to remember that I really only understand organs below the bladder. Upon departing I handed the Rav a copy of Lenny's brochure. As I see it, missionaries should work together.

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

Reviewing the Prostate Cancer International site with Hanoch Maliss, treasurer of Shalom Prostate. Hanoch took great interest as a model of knowledge sharing.

At CBN studios in Jerusalem with bureau chief Chris Mitchell. The show was devoted to prostate cancer in Israel and the shifting cultural landscape. We took note of the symbolism with it being Hannukah, a holiday dedicated to shedding light where it is needed.

Seaside hotel lounges in Tel Aviv, private residences ... all served as consultation rooms for many men (whose faces are not shown). It was a fun time to be in Israel and the joyous outbursts of songs associated with evening candle lighting raised everyone's spirits.

There is surely more to come.

[Lenny Hirsch]

Arnon
Thanks for the PR. I am now trying to sort out the problems that we discussed during your visit. I would like to hold a day long workshop for men who have problems after their primary treatment. The idea is to cover all the aspects from ED to excercise. I would like to see men who have been thru the mill on the panel together with doctors. To-morrow I hope to start rising funds from the drug companies to cover the costs of such a under taking. Anita made komquat preserves from what you gave me. She thanks you

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

My father will be very very pleased, Lenny. Tell Anita if she needs more to call him. He also has funny pear shaped citrus fruits that taste like tangerine. Nobody knows that they are.

Please keep me posted on your symposium and let me know if you need help brain-storming on the content. There's a bunch of doctors in your area who may be able to contribute, including Ilan and some of our other acquaintances.

[Leah]

Could the mystery fruit be a honeybell? The season is just right (see below)

A fruit seller took out an entire page in the NYT before Christmas to sing the praises of his honeybells.

"honeybell oranges are a unique variety of Florida citrus. They are a cross between a super sweet Duncan grapefruit and a Darcy tangerine, and typically only available in January. A honeybell orange is shaped like a bell, and is a premium eating-orange, with sweet honey flavor and very easy to peel.

[Arnon Krongrad, MD]

Hmm... quite similar. Right color. Shape is a touch off but without a side-by-side .... Good one, Leah.

[Lenny Hirsch]

Thanks for the offer, but Anita is watching her calorie intake. She preserves the komquats in a sugary syrup. Thanks for your offer of helping to find doctors. Bear in mind that I am in contact with most of the PCa docs in the country.I am connecting with Offer Gofriet at Hadassa Ein Kerem. We hope to set up a support group there. BTW he has started doing RLAP. I have not heard from Rav Frirer