A 16-year-old boy in Italy was diagnosed as having cancer in the groin. The doctors proposed an operation, but told his parents they had little hope. When the family turned to Rabbi Gershon Mendel Garelik for solace, he told them to ask the Rebbe for a blessing.

The boy’s brother-in-law went to the Rebbe for yechidus and asked for his blessing, which he received. The brother-in-law responded that he wanted not only a blessing, but a promise.

The Rebbe promised that the boy would be healthy, his parents would lead him to the wedding canopy, and he would have children of his own.

When the brother-in-law returned to Italy and told the family of the Rebbe’s promise, his news was met with mixed reactions. Some believed in the Rebbe’s words, and were able to proceed with uplifted spirits. Others were more skeptical. One uncle was very upset. “Why does the Rebbe nurture hope,” he complained to Rabbi Garelik, “when there is no hope?”

The boy underwent the operation successfully. A few months later, he traveled to New York to thank the Rebbe for his blessings.

When the Rebbe saw the youth, he asked him: “Are you the one who was operated on?” When the youth answered that he was, the Rebbe gave him a series of instructions regarding his spiritual development, including reading the Torah every Monday and Thursday.

The youth followed the instructions carefully. Today he is married with children of his own.