Grace plays in a band and is the mother to a black cat named Fitzhugh.

Getting the news that a child has cancer of any kind is absolutely life-shattering for any family. No matter where you come from, where you live, or how secure a family is in every other sense, this can bring life to a screeching halt.


Families have to fight the battle together, provide emotional support to the child, in addition to all of the medical factors. But, most importantly, the child must have a strong will to fight on his or her own. There’s so much to be said for a positive, fighting spirit. So much of the battle is mental, and when a child feels like he or she has the power to fight the sickness, it actually helps them heal.

Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg has created a nationwide program based in Southfield, MI, just northwest of Detroit.


A black belt himself, he teaches martial arts to children battling cancer and other seemingly insurmountable life events… all for free. This project, Kids Kicking Cancer, is very close to his heart, as he lost his own daughter to leukemia when she was just 2 years old.

The classes help these children deal with their stress, anxiety, pain, and even their anger. The mantra at the end of class says it all: “Power! Peace! Purpose!” When these children learn all of the mind-body techniques that Rabbi G has to offer, they’ll report less pain throughout the whole process.

The smiles on their faces say it all.

Take a look at the Kids Kicking Cancer’s Facebook for more information, as well as Humankind’s Facebook. You can also see this additional article on the organization.

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