R.’s parents beam with pride after son overcame disability to successfully complete the IAF’s most prestigious course.
By Goel Beno
As a child R. suffered from Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations; yet next week he is set to become a fighter pilot after having passed one of the most excruciatingly demanding preparatory courses the IDF has on offer.
Graduation ceremony of IAF fighter pilots – Photo: Herzl Yoseph
R., 22 today, has suffered from behavioral and health problems in primary school, including hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, angry outbursts and various allergic reactions. His parents say they tried various alternative medicines until they stumbled on a support group for parents of Tourette sufferers, where they were given various advices regarding nutrition, which changed R’s health dramatically.
Another key change was lowering the dosage of the medication the child was prescribed. By the age of 13 R. was free of tics and allergies “and decided to become successful in life,” his proud father told Yedioth Ahronoth.
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R. graduated from high-school and applied to the IDF’s three-year flying course, considered extraordinary in difficulty, with only a small proportion of applicants managing to complete it. During the course, which he passed with flying colors, he passed a medical that showed beyond doubt he’s completely healthy and qualified to be a pilot.
“The family was delivered from chaos and became happy,” R’s father said. “The lesson is that you should never pass unquestioned what the medical establishment tells you. There’s a solution and it lies in correct nutrition.”
R.’s mother is very proud with the progress made by her son. “He’s very powerful and authoritative, a leader. What’s happening now is amazing. We had real difficulties with him when he was a child and this is a dream come true.”
View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4395325,00.html
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