With their troubles temporarily forgotten, crowds of children laugh hysterically, listen empathetically and smile uncontrollably as they finally connect with people whose experiences are similar to their own. These new friends welcome each other with open arms, fully understanding the stress that awaits the other at home.  Somewhere amongst the joy stands sophomore Mitchell Rosenberg (pictured middle right), proudly remembering that he is responsible for all of this.

      During the winter of 2009, sophomore Mitchell Rosenberg’s father was diagnosed with cancer.  While his battle with the illness was strenuous, Rosenberg’s father was fortunate enough to fully recover.  Although Rosenberg was relieved, he has never forgotten the hardships that inevitably came with his father’s disease.  Inspired by his older sister’s work at Camp Kesem, a charity that provides free summer camp for kids whose parents are ill, Rosenberg, with the assistance of the Talbert Family Foundation, began the Give Me A Break Foundation. 

“People don’t realize this, but when you are a kid with a parent sick in bed, your life just pauses and a dark cloud rolls over,” said Rosenberg.  “The Give Me A Break Foundation’s mission is to get rid of this cloud and fill the time with great memories.”

Rosenberg and Give Me A Break Foundation’s vice-president, sophomore Jordan Eisner (pictured bottom left), organize events that work to raise the spirits of kids who have family members suffering from serious illnesses.  These activities include afternoons at movie theaters, restaurants, bowling alleys and Universal Studios.  Students of all ages volunteer to coordinate the activities while parents, teachers and counselors chaperone.  These volunteers come together to provide the children with guidance, advice and sympathy.

“I know what it feels like to be one of those kids, sad, alone and feeling like there is no one to talk to because no one will understand,” said Rosenberg.  “Because we connect with these kids on such a personal level, it makes me and everyone else involved feel such pride and joy in what we do and makes us even more driven to continue and better our work.”

Rosenberg plans to expand his organization to other schools across Southern Calif. to connect with as many children as possible.  However, he hopes to ensure that every child’s experience with GiveMe A Break is still personalized and memorable.

Through his work with Give Me A Break, Rosenberg has accomplished the remarkable: he personally provides children with friendship, joy and positive experiences that they will undoubtedly cherish forever.