Our founding story

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Mrs Sheva Neumann

Lev Chaim was founded by Sheva Neumann after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2018, aged just 32 and a mother of five young children. After months of symptoms being dismissed despite repeated medical visits, Sheva pushed for further investigations and was eventually diagnosed with advanced colon cancer that had spread to her liver. What followed was an incredibly difficult journey of four surgeries, twelve rounds of chemotherapy, and months of physical and emotional exhaustion while continuing to care for her family.

During her recovery, Sheva realised how isolating cancer can be once treatment ends, and how life-changing earlier diagnosis and proper support could have been. Determined that others should not face the same delays, fear, and lack of support, she founded Lev Chaim to provide rapid access to cancer care alongside education, awareness, prevention, and practical family support services. Since then, our organisation has supported hundreds of families across Greater Manchester and raised more than £300,000 to continue our vital work within the community.

Lev Chaim was founded by Sheva Neumann after her stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2018, aged just 32 and a mother of five young children. After months of symptoms being dismissed despite repeated medical visits, Sheva pushed for further investigations and was eventually diagnosed with advanced colon cancer that had spread to her liver. What followed was an incredibly difficult journey of four surgeries, twelve rounds of chemotherapy, and months of physical and emotional exhaustion while continuing to care for her family.

Our Mission

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Our mission is to raise awareness, deliver essential care and support services, and provide rapid access to cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients and their families – bringing hope, compassion, and trusted guidance while vastly improving outcomes for those battling cancer within our community.

Our Values

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Urgency
We act quickly because we know that time really matters when it comes to cancer and its symptoms. We prioritise fast access to diagnostics and care when it can make the greatest difference.

Compassion
We provide patients with unwavering compassion and empathy beyond their diagnosis: offering practical, emotional, and family-centred care.

Empowerment
We equip our community with clear, accessible information and guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions and advocate for their own care.

Our team

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Mrs Sheva Neumann

Director & Founder

Sheva founded Lev Chaim in 2018 and has led the organisation with vision and dedication ever since. She oversees all aspects of the charity’s work, including strategic direction, service development, and day-to-day operations, while driving its continued growth to meet the evolving needs of families.

Mrs Ruchi Grunsfeld

Patient & Medical Liaison

Ruchi has been supporting Lev Chaim’s families since 2023, playing a vital role in guiding them through complex medical journeys. She coordinates care between families, hospitals, GPs, and medical teams, liaising closely with consultants and secretaries to ensure clear communication, smooth referrals, and practical support at every stage.

Mrs Yael Beck

Family Support Coordinator

Yael joined Lev Chaim in 2025, bringing many years of experience in family support. She provides personalised, ongoing care to patients and families, maintaining regular contact to ensure there are no gaps in support, and offering both emotional reassurance and practical assistance tailored to each situation.

Mrs Chaya Rochel Dresdner

Events Coordinator (Volunteer)

Chaya Rochel has volunteered with Lev Chaim since 2025, leading the planning and delivery of community initiatives and family events. From organising wellbeing workshops to coordinating wider support activities, she ensures each experience is thoughtfully delivered and uplifting for the families we serve.

Mrs Orli Leitner

Care & Gifts Coordinator (Volunteer)

Orli has volunteered with Lev Chaim since 2023, overseeing the charity’s gifting programme. She ensures families feel consistently cared for and remembered by coordinating bi-monthly gifts and birthday packages, bringing comfort, dignity, and moments of joy during challenging times.

Mr Chaim Lehrer

Patient & Medical Liaison

Chaim joined Lev Chaim in 2026 to further strengthen support for families. He provides hands-on practical and emotional assistance, including accompanying patients to appointments where appropriate. He is also developing strong relationships with consultants across the NHS and private sectors, as well as building international connections to facilitate access to second opinions when needed.

Your support can ensure more families receive urgent, life-changing care when every moment matters most.