South Florida, Florida — Nine-year-old Nava Seewald is known by her family as a joyful, energetic child who fills every room with personality.
Her mother, Rivky Seewald, describes her simply as “a firecracker.”
Nava is silly, positive and already convinced that she will become famous someday. But about a year ago, her family faced a frightening medical crisis that changed their lives almost overnight.
Nava began experiencing headaches, and initially, her parents believed the problem was something relatively minor. Then everything changed within hours of a routine doctor’s appointment. Her parents received an urgent call telling them to go to the hospital immediately.
The following morning, doctors at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital delivered devastating news: Nava had acute myeloid leukemia, or AML.
She began chemotherapy that same day.
Family Finds Support During Difficult Treatment
As doctors focused on treating Nava’s cancer, her family also had to find a way to manage the enormous emotional and practical challenges that came with having a seriously ill child.
That’s where Chai Lifeline stepped in. The nonprofit provided the Seewald family with meals, volunteers and other assistance throughout Nava’s treatment.
Rivky said volunteers were available whenever the family needed help, including during hospital stays and important events.
“Every single day she had volunteers,” she said, adding that without their support, the family did not know how they would have managed.
For Nava, that support meant having people around her who could help make an incredibly difficult period a little easier.
Camp Simcha Gives Nava a Chance to Be a Kid Again
When Nava became well enough, Chai Lifeline gave her another reason to look forward to the future: Camp Simcha. For Nava, the sleepaway camp in New York is simply “the funnest place on Earth.”
The camp gives children battling cancer an opportunity to spend nearly two weeks doing something they often struggle to do during treatment — simply being kids.
The program is designed specifically for children with cancer and includes medical professionals who understand their unique needs.
Dr. Warren Alperstein, one of Nava’s doctors, is among the pediatric oncologists involved with the camp. He also treats Nava outside the camp.
Children Receive Medical Care While Enjoying Camp
Camp Simcha is structured so children can participate in camp activities while still receiving the medical attention they need. Every camper has a one-on-one counselor assigned to them, helping ensure they have support throughout their stay.
Medical staff are also available, and children can receive necessary treatments, including chemotherapy when required. For families, that combination can provide peace of mind.
Yosef Seewald said having Nava at a camp where her own doctor could also be involved gave the family an extraordinary level of reassurance.
Nava Dreams of Returning Every Year
Nava had been eagerly counting down the days until camp. Her mother said Nava was counting the days — and even the minutes — until she could return. And the experience has clearly made an impression.
Nava says she plans to return to Camp Simcha every year. Eventually, she has an even bigger goal. When she becomes old enough, Nava wants to return as a counselor and help other children experience the same happiness she found there.
Cancer-Free Girl Continues to Inspire Her Family
Today, Nava has reached a milestone her family once desperately hoped for: she is cancer-free. She is currently at Camp Simcha and, according to her mother, absolutely loving the experience. For her family, Nava’s journey has become a lesson in resilience.
Rivky said her daughter has shown that even after facing something as difficult as cancer, it is possible to continue moving forward with strength and positivity.
“You push on. And you show that you’re strong and you can get through it.”
Nava’s story is now inspiring not only her family but everyone who has watched her journey from a frightening diagnosis to recovery and a return to childhood joy.
Chai Lifeline, which supported Nava and her family throughout this journey, is a nonprofit organization that operates through donations.
What do you think of Nava’s inspiring journey? Share your thoughts and messages of encouragement for this brave young girl in the comments below.
