Israeli Woman Overcomes Severe Liver Disease to Earn Bachelor's Degree After 14 Years

At age 10, Paar Avia Harosh was diagnosed with a severe liver disease and given less than two years to live. Fourteen years later, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Information Systems from the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College. Despite repeated hospitalizations and ongoing health challenges, including Graves' disease and a full thyroidectomy, Harosh persevered with strong family support, especially from her mother, Hila.

Growing up in Ma'ale Adumim, Harosh faced frequent medical treatments and hospital stays but continued her education with private tutors during hospitalizations and even took some matriculation exams from the hospital. She refused to lighten her academic load, studying advanced physics and computer science in high school and later pursuing a demanding degree combining technology, data analysis, and business understanding.

Harosh manages a complex medication regimen of over 20 pills daily and copes with chronic pain and fatigue. She carefully plans travel and consults her doctors regularly. Her graduation ceremony was a milestone she dedicated to her mother, who never gave up on her and ensured she never gave up on herself. Harosh described receiving her degree as an unforgettable moment that proved her resilience and determination to succeed despite her health struggles.