Two boys who had fought their way through serious illness stood on a stage in front of more than 1,000 people, dancing beside singer Yaakov Shwekey. Judah and Yakov had just finished telling the audience about their medical journeys and their recoveries. Now the crowd at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., was celebrating with them.
The moment captured the theme of Healing Hearts’ 2026 gala, “The Heart to Fight,” held on Sunday evening, Oct. 25. The sold-out event drew medical professionals, community leaders, volunteers, supporters and the families the organization serves, all gathered around the idea that no one should face a medical challenge alone.
Rabbi Yochanon and Esti Klein founded Healing Hearts more than two decades ago. The idea grew out of Rabbi Klein’s own medical journey, which he spoke about during the evening, describing the experiences that led him to help others in similar situations. What started as a personal act of chesed has become a network of medical assistance and support across South Florida.
Today, Healing Hearts runs stocked kosher rooms and closets in hospitals throughout the region, giving patients and families fresh kosher food and Shabbat meals during hospital stays. Its Chesed Homes offer accommodations near major hospitals so families can stay close to loved ones. The organization also provides medical referrals, expedited appointments, patient advocacy, insurance guidance, post-hospitalization support, a medical equipment gemach and a recently opened toy store for young patients. A staff and thousands of volunteers respond to thousands of requests for help each year.
A Doctor Honored by the Patient He Saved
Avremy Shapiro told the audience about his recovery from serious injuries following an accident, and how Healing Hearts supported him and his family throughout.
Dr. Mauricio Pipkin received the Guardian of the Heart Award for his lifesaving medical work. The award was presented to him by one of his patients.
Raquel Susterman was honored with the Heart of Chesed Award. Each week, she brings together a group of women to prepare and pack food for patients and families in local hospitals.
Shmuly and Aleza Ainsworth received the Pillar of Generosity Award for their support of families in medical crisis, including their role in establishing Tzvi and Itty’s Home of Healing in Miami Beach. Mayer and Chaya Rivka Fischl were given the Champion of the Heart Award for years of helping individuals and families in need.
The evening closed with a concert by Shwekey and Eli Marcus, which included a musical tribute to the memory of Avery Cohen, of blessed memory.
