Although its been a year since... Chaya Mushka O"BM, you never left my mind yet!! You were always so inspiring, so happy, so encouraging, so brave -- Your warm radiant smile is etched into my heart as if I saw you today.

*YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!*

When I met Chaya Mushka she had just been diagnosed. I visited her in the hospital and at home and the visits were always cheerful and upbeat. She never complained about her illness nor about the pain she was in, which unfortunately was the circumstance many times. As a matter of fact I was usually the one that was amused and would burst out laughing. Being the astute child she was, she would always ask me what was so funny. I miss her, and feel honored to have come to know her and her special family.

This web site is a true testimony to the power chaya mushka had during her short life and how her soul is continuing to uplift others to improve their lives. Anyone who came in contact with her (or her devoted parents), left inspired and amazed by her inner strength, resiliency, warmth, maturity and zest for life. It was a privilege for me to have met the itkins and I will, without taking a vow, learn a complete order of the Mishna in memory of chaya mushka.

Chaya Mushka you are blessed and have blessed us all to see what G-d's world is all about. Your family's strength is a glimpse to what you represent. You inspire us all! Thank you for sharing your life with us. We cannot wait for moshiach to come!

Less than a year ago, when I first met Chaya Mushka of blessed memory when she came home for a break from the hospital, I had no doubt that she was one of a kind. Her glowing face just gave it away. Before we both left for a walk, her mother said something to me in Hebrew so she shouldn't understand. But little did we know that 3 yr old Chaya Mushka OB”M would look straight into her mother's face and repeat her mother's words exactly in English. Her brilliance amazed me! She would prance down the street pushing her doll carriage with such enthusiasm for life that no one would have ever dreamed something was going on beyond her surface.
It was after the summer when I visited her next, then in the hospital. Then too she glowed, but her strength were noticeably weakening. From then on, each time I went to her I marveled. She taught me how to live my life!
From the many times I've been there, I only recall once that she was kvetching. And even then, she was so controlled trying so hard to distract herself from the enormous amount of pain. Always smiling regardless of what trials G-d was testing her with. "So what else is in your bag? I wanna do more things," she would say with her sweet yummy voice! She could barely turn on her side , nevertheless, she was so persistent in helping me make her Strawberry Shortcake pillow by putting strings through tiny wholes. She was so appreciative of everything I would do although it was the least I could have done! The last time I was there, I remember her asking me "could you take a picture of me?" And so I did. When I showed her the picture, a soft smile appeared on her face and lasted a couple of moments. I’m positive she was thanking G-d then for being alive. Now that's greatness! To see oneself in such a situation and be so grateful?!
Chaya Mushka OB”M was just a pure and special soul who lived her 3+ years to the fullest and inspired everyone around her. She should be a good advocate in Heaven for the Jewish people and we should merit to see her back speedily in our days. Amen!

Chaya Mushka was so spirited and full of life! You couldn't suppress a smile in her company, no matter what kind of mood she was in. I wish I could remember the specific hysterical comments she made that often cut straight to the core of an issue. It was such an enormous privilege to see her parents' dedication, strength and trust in G-d both during her illness and after her passing. Chaya Mushka has inspired so many people to make real and practical improvements. May this be a merit for her and a comfort for her family.

To the family of the late, wonderful little angel Chaya Mushka, who was
taken to G-d so early in her young and happy life, we extend our sincere condolences
on your tragic loss and wish you all to be blessed with the happy memories that you have shared and enjoyed with her and that you shall experience no more sorrow.

I am a volunteer for an organization called Mekimi and would visit Chaya Mushka a"h and she was an inspiration to me. I was at her house two months after her diagnosis and i was amazed to see how caring she was for her younger sister despite her situation. We blew up some balloons of all different shapes and she insisted we make one for her little sister Zeldy too.

She will always continue to be an inspiration to me.

I've heard so much about Chaya Mushka from my friend Esther Leah K. Even though I've never actually met Chaya Mushka or her family, I feel so connected to them and I was so inspired. I, like so many others, was constantly saying Pslams for Chaya Mushka's recovery and I'm sure our prayers were not in vain. And I have no doubt that all these Mitzvos that people are taking upon themselves now are stirring up the heavens! May G-d send the Moshiach very soon so that we will be reunited with Chaya Mushka!

It is impossible to count the number of people Chaya Mushka has touched in her short yet full life. Countless volunteers who spent time with her in the hospital have been inspired by Chaya Mushka's intelligence and determination and have stories to share. Chaya Mushka's parents have been a true inspiration as they treated each person they encountered with gratitude and grace and truly sanctified G-d's name with their every action and interaction. I will G-d willing try to usher in the Shabbos a few minutes earlier in her merit. bl"n

Chaya Mushka exemplified Simchas Hachaim [joy of living] in every situation. I will forever remember her innocent brilliance and radiant smile! Whenever I'll think of her I'll marvel once again at her Shtarkeit [strength] and maturity even in the most trying times!! A volunteer who gained more from visiting Chaya Mushka than she did,

I can't tell you how much this moved me, and I am crying writing this. I will light candles and ensure my grandchildren do the same, we'll give tsedokah [charity] in Chaya Mushka's name.

Kayla (age 4) said she would say the bracha for the challa on Shabbat for Chaya Mushka's merit. Jodie (age 7) said she would learn more Hebrew .

My daughter said she’ll be nice to the kids in school--giving up her turn at jumprope-- as a mitzvah in Chaya Mushka's merit.

I'm Wrapping Tefillin today for her

I'm sorry to hear of the passing . I offer my sincere condolences and even though I wasn't lucky enough to meet her, I can tell by your words the impact she had on you and those around her. This is an inspirational example of the type of legacy we want to leave behind by using every precious minute of our lives to make connections with G-d and others through Mitzvoth. Thank you so much for sharing, and we will definitely pray in her honor.

i read your description and it touched my heart, chaya mushka seems very special! I am very sorry about her passing. Boruch Dayin Emes.
Feel Good & good night

This is a terrible loss. I am very sorry.

It's hard to believe I only got to know your family a few short months ago. I feel like I knew Chaya Mushka for forever. She was such a brave little girl, never kvetching though she was in terrible pain a lot of the time I was with her. She was so mature and had an amazing sense of humor. I came to think of her as a friend and loved to spend time with her. When seeing her parent's emunah and strength of character as they made me feel so welcome and comfortable around them, it's no wonder Chaya Mushka was the way she was. I will miss her very much and wish her parents much nachas from the rest of their children and may they know of no more tzaar. Hamakom Yinachem Eschem....

Sadness. My heart is very sad. Chaya Musha was on my mind on Shabbas, and leyned Miketz shishi in her honor.

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling the mitzvah...i lit this shabbos and bli neder i will continue to light for her neshama please keep me updated on other opprtunities l'eluyi neshamas chaya mushka

We were very sorry to hear about Chaya Mushka's a"h passing. May you only share good news from now and may you enjoy nachas from all your children.

Baruch Dayan Emes. Very sad indeed. Sometimes I just don't understand the
Aibershter...but then again who am I to understand.

In the future may there only be revealed good for your family, and the Itkin
family.

Hashem bless you and family with only simchas and strength! MOshiach
Now!!!!!!

I will light the Shabbat Candles and Say prayers.

Kathy

Im sure now shes demaning from Hashem to sent Moshiach NOW mamesh

Baruch Dayan Emes...Moshiach NOW. May HaShem send a refuah for all of our children that suffer and are waiting for one.

I am filled with sadness at this news. I pray that your family finds the strength to get through this very difficult time with love and gratitude for the beautiful neshama you were honoured to call your child. I wish you a long life.

I am very upset to hear that Chaya Mushka bas Chana unfortunately lost her battle to live in this world.
I don't understand why things like this happen at all.
There are really no words...
What can I say to parents whose baby has died?
Moshiach now!

Shaindel this is so so sad.
Ive been thinking about Chaya mushka the whole week, my Chaya Mushka Bh turned 3 yesterday and everything she's been doing on her birthday was for the recovery of chaya mushka.
I cannot believe such thing could happen. May Hashem shower the whole family with Brachos and give them strenghts to go throught that horrible pain. We should hear only good news from now, and Moshiach should come already to bring us back all those holy neshomos!!

Truly know how my heart and prayers are with you, your sister and your whole family. We will continue to do mitzvot in her name and please reach out for anything you need from me. Love,

I am so sorry for the loss. I just read this letter today . I will pray for the family to never again feel the sorrow they are now feeling
Vicki Zivia DeRoss

I am so sorry to hear the news of Chaya bas Chana's passing I will daven with more kavana in her honor. Send my prayers to her family.

I am so sorry to hear of your families tragic loss. We will each do a Mitzvah in her honor and will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Regards
Bari

We were so sorry to hear the news about Chaya Mushka's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at these tough times! Please accept our condolences.

With love,

Hi Rabbi. I am so sorry about your niece. I am going to donate some of my mom's hair coverings and an expensive wig she had made to Sloane Kettering in her name and in the name of your niece. Again, so sorry to hear...Hilary kern

I’m terribly sorry for your loss.

Daniel Ross

I am very saddened by this news, may her soul live through our mitsvot.

Shalom to all your family.

Tania and Olivier Pailloucq(from Belgium)

May you and your family be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Russell Moskowitz

We are so sorry to hear this tragic news. Our hearts go out to u and ur family at this most difficult time. Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel at this time. Bruce and Jill Weisfeld.

I want you to know that I am thinking about you a lot at this most difficult and confusing time and have enormous admiration for you and your dear family.

I’ve heard so much about Chaya Mushka and can see why she was so special. It doesn’t surprise me one iota though, because she has VERY special parents and grandparents.... Your strength, courage and devotion is unbelievable, I am brought to tears each time I read about your bitachon, strength and amazing outlook.

Chaya Mushka wasn’t just cute, gorgeous, and smiley, she had personality, strength, a zest for life and a pleasant nature - a beauty within as much as externally.

I am so sorry that you are going through such pain and suffering and only hope and pray that Hashem heals your wounds and sends Moshiach very swiftly so you can once again be reunited with Chaya Mushka, may it be NOW MAMOSH, OMEIN!

I would like to wish you Hamokom Yenachem Eschem Besoich Shaar Aveilo Tzion V’yerushalayim!

Besuros Toivos

There is nothing I can say to express my sadness. I will always remember her for the strength and happiness she brought to us the day on the boat together. I am putting on Tefillin every week for the first time in my life in her honor.
Steve

We thought of Chaya Mushka last night and your family as we lit our FIRST shabbat candles...all our thoughts and prayers are with your family right now.....sincerely,
Lane

May hashem give her family & all koach to get through this and to remember that she was a tzadeket and a gift to her family for her short life.

I am so sorry to learn of her passing. I had prayed everyday for her recovery and put on teflin with her in mind. I am truly sorry and pray for her soul to rise high and to be at peace with G-D.

May she rest in peace

B'ezer Hashem I will do additional acts of chessed in the merit of your precious, beautiful daughter Chaya Mushka, a"h.