8-Year-Old Cancer Patient Gets ‘Can’t Believe It’ Visit From Matisyahu
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
By Thea Glassman April 9, 2017
Rena Koenig didn’t know what to expect when she emailed Matisyahu to ask if he would visit her 8-year-old daughter who’s battling cancer.
“She loves his songs, she listens to them when she is in pain,” Koenig said in a phone interview. “I thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’”
The leap of faith paid off. Laila, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for a rare bone cancer called Ewing Sarcoma, got a very special visit from the singer-songwriter last month.
“I know you. You’re the one who sings my favorite songs,’” Laila told the star, when he arrived at the Koenig’s New York City apartment.
The two sang Matisyahu’s song “Sunshine”(Laila’s favorite) and the artist discussed his own daughter’s battle with two heart surgeries.
“She was like, ‘I just can’t believe he came to see me,’” Koenig recalled.
It was a bright spot for the family, who are fundraising to help cover the financial burdens of Laila’s treatment.
“He said whenever he has a concert in New York she’s invited for sure,” Koenig said. “And they’ll sing on the stage together.”
Thea Glassman is an Associate Editor at the Forward. Reach her at [email protected]
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
