Last week, I had the privilege of being part of something truly special. Team Lifeline’s Miami Marathon weekend wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that reminded me, once again, of the unwavering support, love, and strength that Chai Lifeline brings to those who need it most.
I didn’t run the marathon. But I didn’t have to. Because this weekend wasn’t about crossing the finish line—it was about showing up, being present, and standing together as a family. And if there’s one thing I know from my own journey as a childhood cancer survivor and former Chai Lifeline warrior, it’s that just being there makes all the difference.
I spent the weekend surrounded by people whose lives have been forever changed by Chai Lifeline. Parents balancing the unimaginable weight of their child’s illness. Kids who have spent more days in hospitals than in playgrounds. Runners who laced up their shoes in memory of a loved one, pushing themselves mile after mile to give back to the organization that was there for them in their darkest moments.
One of the most powerful moments for me was sharing my story. Not because I wanted to talk about myself, but because I wanted every person in that room to understand something: Chai Lifeline isn’t just an organization. It’s a lifeline. It was there for me when I was younger, fighting my own battle. And it’s still here today, stronger than ever, standing by every single family that needs it.
Throughout the weekend, I had the honor of speaking with parents, volunteers, and incredible individuals who have been touched by Chai Lifeline in different ways. I heard about the late-night hospital visits, the emotional support when there were no words, and the way the staff, volunteers, and counselors don’t just provide help—they provide hope.
And then there was the race itself. Over 200 runners took on the Miami Marathon, each with their own reason for being there. I watched as Camp Simcha counselors ran with their boundless energy, as wheelchair-bound warriors crossed the finish line with determination in their eyes, and as people of all ages proved that purpose is the greatest motivator of all.
Standing there, taking it all in, I realized something. Every single runner, every single donor, every single volunteer—they are the reason Chai Lifeline continues to be there for families like mine. The funds raised this weekend will go directly toward helping children and families battling illness. It will mean more hospital visits, more emotional support, more moments of relief for parents drowning in medical appointments and uncertainty. It will mean more hope.
I walked away from this weekend with my heart full. Full of gratitude for the people who dedicate their time and energy to making sure no child or family ever feels alone in their struggle. Full of admiration for the runners who gave their sweat and tears to a cause bigger than themselves. And full of certainty that Chai Lifeline will continue to be there, just like it always has been.
I may not have run the marathon, but I left Miami stronger than I arrived. Because when you witness what true kindness, selflessness, and achdus look like, you don’t walk away the same. You walk away ready to do more, give more, and show up for the next person who needs it.
That’s what Chai Lifeline is all about. And that’s why I will always be proud to be a part of this family.
Rabbi Ari Bensoussan is a talmid of Mir Jerusalem and Lakewood BMG and a musmach of the Jerusalem Rabbinate and Rav Yitzchok Berkowitz shlita. Rabbi Ari co-founded Yeshivat Ruach Chaim in Jerusalem and was a senior lecturer in Derech, a program at Ohr Samayach Jerusalem. Currently,- Rabbi Ari lives in L.A. where he is heading a branch of Chazak International, a community outreach initiative.
