When Sharon gave birth to a baby boy, in France, both she and David were overwhelmed with joy. But on the 8th day of his life, moments after his Bris-milah they realised that something was seriously wrong. Nadav’s diaper had turned red and he looked as ‘whiter than the wall’.

“I thought I was going to lose my son”- Sharon Bloch, mother of Nadav

They rushed him to the emergency department and were told that he had haemophilia. Sharon wasn’t given much more info and didn’t even know what Haemophilia was. They prepared a return to Israel and made arrangements to journey to Laniado Hospital. It was a very smooth hand-over.

“I had to stop crying because I have to be strong for Nadav”- Sharon Bloch

With their arrival at Laniado, things became clearer through Dr Nechama Sharon, Head of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology Department as she explained very clearly what Haemophilia meant for Nadav’s future with coping strategies for his health moving forward, while nurse Yafit took great care of the family and looked after their wellbeing, as well as providing specialised treatment for Nadav.

Haemophilia A is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by insufficient levels of a blood protein called factor 8, which is a clotting factor. Clotting factors are specialized proteins that are essential for proper clotting, the process by which blood clumps together to plug the site of a wound to stop bleeding. Individuals with haemophilia A, do not bleed faster or more than healthy individuals but because their blood clots poorly and they have difficulty stopping the flow of blood from a wound. The mutation may be inherited or occur randomly with no previous family history of the disorder. Although there is no cure for haemophilia, effective therapies have been developed; most affected individuals can lead full, productive lives by maintaining proper treatment and care.

“Lanaido was big enough to support a lot of people but small enough to be human”- David Bloch, father of Nadav.

Nadav will always be a fragile child and suffer from any bumps and he gets haematomas, bruising, and has to be more careful than most other children. His father built him a ‘soft play’ bedroom so that he can play safely. He is learning how to protect himself and has to wear knee pads and a soft helmet to protect his head. Bruises can keep growing with Haemophilia and Nadav needs to often come in for an injection. After this he is able to return home.

Speaking of Laniado, David complimented the hospital on its professionalism and how they comforted the family and gave them the knowledge to deal with Nadav’s condition:

“It’s not just a hospital, it’s a family, they’re friends and they are very professional. Whatever they do, we trust them”.

Although more fragile than most kids, Nadav is able to lead a normal and happy life.

Watch their incredible story and how the Laniado Hospital has been there for them on their journey.