On Sunday, November 17, more than 150 men and women will lace up their sneakers and run with Team Lifeline in the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon. While Team Lifeline participants are looking forward to running along the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, they are also running to support Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network.
Team Lifeline is an endurance training program that brings groups of people to destination races across the country, including New York City and Miami, to raise funds and awareness for Chai Lifeline. Team members are treated to an inspirational weekend, including airfare and Shabbat accommodations at the beautiful Palazzo hotel, building camaraderie and a community of support. Leading up to the marathon, participants receive personalized training schedules, online coaching and other helpful resources for all running levels.
“Whether you are an athlete, or have never run a mile in your life, Team Lifeline offers an unparalleled experience for an important cause,” said Moshe Turk, director of Team Lifeline. “Our runners run with purpose and show Chai Lifeline’s thousands of families living with pediatric illnesses that they are not alone.”
Avner Baskin of Cleveland, Ohio, is running with Team Lifeline in memory of his grandmother, Barbara Baskin, who died from cancer. “I loved her. She was a special kind and classy women so I decided for my Bar Mitzvah to raise money so kids can have a fighting chance against this horrible disease,” he said.
Team Lifeline benefits Chai Lifeline’s more than two dozen year-round programs and services, including professional case management; counseling; meal delivery to hospitals and homes; transportation to medical appointments; the summer experience of a lifetime for children with cancer and chronic illnesses at Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special; Project Chai crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement workshops for families, schools and communities; insurance advocacy; family retreats and respite; i-Shine afterschool national programs for children living with illness or loss in their homes; and more.
“Chai Lifeline has been there for us through really difficult times,” said Adina Ciment, a Chai Lifeline parent from Hollywood, Florida, and captain of Team Binny. “Running with Team Lifeline gives us a chance to be there for them–to raise money to make sure other kids are able to go to Camp Simcha and get the services that were so vital to our family.”
For Ciment, Team Lifeline is “more than an endurance competition. It’s a team made up of some of the most remarkable and inspiring people you’ll ever meet… Also, it’s just a ridiculous amount of fun.”
To register with any of Team Lifeline’s upcoming marathons or to learn more, please visit www.teamlifeline.org.
