by Rachel Hillman
I first immersed at the mikveh five years ago, but my relationship with the Rising Tide Network began before it was even born. I want you to understand how your support for Rising Tide will create a more vibrant, accessible Jewish community.
I was 28 years old and undergoing treatment for breast cancer. After seven hard months of chemotherapy I was declared cancer-free in September 2014. I decided to mark the transition from patient to survivor by immersing in the mikveh. 
I lived in Washington, DC at the time, so I went to my local community mikveh at Adas Israel. That’s where I discovered the Seven Kavanot (Intentions) for Mikveh Preparation. Seven months of treatment were over. Seven steps into the mikveh. It felt like the Seven Kavanot were written just for me. This resource is just one of many shared with dozens of communities around the world through Rising Tide.
Preparing to immerse allowed me to reflect on the fear, the decisions, the hours of chemotherapy, the strength of my body and spirit, the support of my family and friends, the physical and emotional scars.
I removed my nail polish, nails discolored from chemotherapy. I appreciated my body as I undressed. Even with scars and radiation tattoos, I knew I was still created in God’s image. I showered, washing the hair that had begun to grow back. And I gave thanks to my body’s ability to carry me to that day.
For seven months, I’d felt weak and emotionally drained. The words of the Seven Kavanot and my immersion guided me toward strength and acceptance. I promised myself that when I reached five years cancer-free, I would immerse once again, this time in celebration. Five years to the day after my last treatment, now living in Chicago, I traveled to Mayyim Hayyim.
I knew what to expect, but I had butterflies. My nails were no longer discolored. I had a full head of hair. And as I read the Seven Kavanot, the words again let me appreciate and cherish my body.
I am so grateful for this network of open mikva’ot that is working to give survivors like me a powerful experience and a warm welcome at the mikveh, no matter where they may live.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Mayyim Hayyim and Rising Tide with a generous gift. Your donation means others can find the healing and support I did—wherever and whenever they need it.
Gratefully,
Rachel Hillman
