Dr. Jesse Taylor, Chief of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Oral Surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), visited Chai Lifeline NJ this week. Dr. Taylor also serves as Co-Director of CHOP’s Cleft Lip and Palate Program and Craniofacial Program and holds the prestigious Peter Randall Endowed Chair of Plastic Surgery.

A trusted partner of Chai Lifeline, Dr. Taylor has been instrumental in caring for children from Lakewood and has built deep, meaningful relationships with the families we serve. His impact extends far beyond the hospital, making him a steady presence in their lives.

During his visit, Dr. Taylor toured both Chai Lifeline NJ’s current offices and its new, state-of-the-art headquarters, set to open within the next 8–12 weeks. He spent time with staff and reconnected with Chai Lifeline children and families and reconnected with many of the children and parents he has supported throughout their medical journeys.

He also toured the broader Lakewood community, with stops at Dr. Reuven Shanik’s office, CHEMED, Beth Medrash Govoha (BMG), and Hatzolah of Lakewood.

“It was a true honor to welcome Dr. Taylor to our building and show him firsthand how his care continues beyond the hospital walls,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW, Regional Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA. “The bond he shares with his patients and their families is something truly special.”

“Dr. Taylor’s dedication to each child is extraordinary,” added Rabbi Yehoshua Brodsky, Associate Regional Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA. “Having him here in Lakewood and showing him how deeply appreciated he is by the families he cares for was a true privilege.”

This August, over 700 cyclists from around the world will unite for Bike4Chai, a two-day, 180-mile journey that raises critical funds for Chai Lifeline, the international support network for children and families facing serious illness, crisis, and loss. 

Now in its 16th year, Bike4Chai has become the most powerful charity cycling event in the country, raising millions annually to fund vital year-round services for more than 10,000 families. 

The ride will take place August 12–14, with cyclists traversing scenic routes through the Pocono Mountains and Catskills. For the first time ever, the event will culminate at Monticello Motor Club, where the public is encouraged to come celebrate at “the world’s greatest finish line.” 

Festivities begin Tuesday with rider registration and a hospitality dinner at Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, cyclists will set out on fully supported routes through New Jersey and the Poconos, returning to the resort for the annual “pasta party.” Thursday’s route continues through the Catskills, ending with a dramatic victory lap around the Monticello Motor Club racetrack, cheered on by Camp Simcha campers and families, volunteers, and — for the first time — the general public.

Families, camps, and community members are encouraged to join the celebration and witness the final stretch of the journey. The day will also feature a full-scale spectator carnival with activities for kids of all ages, along with complimentary refreshments like hot cholent from Boosur and refreshing ice cream from Rita’s. With lively music, delicious food, and nonstop entertainment, it promises to be a memorable day for the entire community.

“Bike4Chai has always been more than a ride. It’s a movement of chesed, resilience, and community,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, Executive Director of Bike4Chai. “This year, we are proud to invite the public to witness the passion and purpose that drives our riders. It’s a moment of triumph, and now everyone can be part of it.”

“Chai Lifeline is built on community,” added Zevi Bamberger, Director of Bike4Chai. “This new finish line experience gives people the chance to see and feel that mission in action and to celebrate the riders, support the children, and be part of something bigger.”

Proceeds from the event benefit Chai Lifeline’s extensive year-round services, including case management, hospital visits, transportation to medical treatment, crisis intervention, and flagship programs like Camp Simcha, i-Shine afterschool programming, and more. 

For more information or to join the Finish Line event, visit www.bike4chai.com/25. 

Einav Danino, mother of Ori Danino HY”D, who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas following the Nova Music Festival on October 7, recently visited Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised summer camp for children with cancer and serious illness.

A group of courageous Israeli girls battling cancer arrived in New York on Thursday, July 26, aboard one of the first civilian flights out of Israel since the recent ceasefire with Iran. Their destination: Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised overnight camp in Glen Spey, NY, for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

This past Shabbos, May 23-24, the Englewood Jewish community once again opened its hearts and homes for Chai Lifeline’s 14th annual Englewood Shabbaton—a deeply moving weekend filled with connection, compassion, and unwavering community support. The Shabbaton welcomed over 60 Chai Lifeline children and teens and brought together more than 150 participants for a weekend of unity and simcha. 

From March 27–30, Chai Lifeline’s LH Financial Services National Retreat provided families of children with serious illnesses from across North America with a meaningful and restorative pre-Pesach experience. More than 275 children, parents, and staff gathered at the scenic Camp Simcha campus in Glen Spey, NY, where they were enveloped in warmth, support, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges.