Pesach is a time of joy and celebration for many families, but for those impacted by illness, trauma, or loss it can be a difficult and challenging time. Fortunately, Chai Lifeline is there to offer support and make Yom Tov a little bit easier for families in need. From family programming and financial assistance to meal deliveries and car cleanings, Chai Lifeline regions across the country helped alleviate stress and elevate the holiday for thousands of families.
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Summer camp campuses often lay quiet during the cold winter months, but Camp Simcha’s sprawling 125-acre campus in upstate New York was filled with laughter, friendship, and learning this past weekend for the Chai Lifeline LH Financial Services National Retreat for families living with pediatric cancer. Families from across North America had an opportunity to connect with other Chai Lifeline families facing similar challenges, gaining support from their peers while tapping into the knowledge of a team of professionals, to help navigate their medical journey.
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When 16-year-old Rivka Shotkin of Passaic, NJ, crossed the finish line at the 2023 Miami Marathon, she did so to the cheers of hundreds of supporters. Paralyzed from the chest down after a ski accident in 2021 that left her with broken bones, punctured lungs, and a severed spinal cord, Rivka was surrounded by family and friends running alongside as she pushed her wheelchair to the encouraging chants of her teammates.
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More than 1,100 children living with serious illnesses and their families got into the Chanukah spirit at Chai Lifeline’s annual Chanukah Party, on December 11 at The Art Factory in Paterson, NJ. The “Street Fair” themed event, which was sponsored by Chemed Health, drew families from across the tri-state area for delicious food, exciting games and prizes, and a fun night out to connect with other families and friends.
Participants of all ages enjoyed an array of barbecue and fresh donuts, as well as a variety of activities, including virtual reality competitions, cash booths, remote control racing, arts & crafts projects, and more. Yitzy Haber and Donny Weinraub of The Shnitzel Guys emceed the festivities, which featured a rocking concert from Moshe Tischler, as well as exotic animals, carnival jugglers, and stilt walkers.
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While the Camp Simcha campus is traditionally filled with children and teens enjoying the beloved summer camp experience, the sprawling campsite in Glen Spey, NY was the recent site of a Chai Lifeline family retreat, December 2-3.
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Families living with pediatric illness enjoyed a unique end-of-summer retreat at Camp Simcha’s Glen Spey, New York, campus, August 28-29. More than 250 Chai Lifeline children and parents took part in the two-day family retreat, where they were able to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy some quality time together.
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It may not be summer yet, but the Camp Simcha campus was alive with laughter and smiles for Chai Lifeline’s LH Financial Retreat on March 25-27. More than two hundred children and families living with disabilities, as well as Chai Lifeline volunteers and staff, convened for an exciting and inspiring weekend getaway at the Stella K. Abraham Family Center in Glen Spey, New York.
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While every family looks forward to celebrating Purim, the work involved in preparing for the joyous holiday can oftentimes be stressful. For families living with pediatric illness, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic, this time of year can be especially challenging. Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health network, offers a variety of programs and services to help its nearly 6,000 children and families with their everyday needs and truly enjoy their Purim.
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has made the past year extremely difficult, children—and the children of Chai Lifeline in particular—have had to confront their own set of challenges. For many, that meant a rough and tumultuous year of lockdowns, quarantines, Zoom school, and socially distanced activities. Chai Lifeline made sure that our kids and their families would finish 2020 on a much brighter note, with an incredible, smile-filled, action-packed Chanukah season.
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The effects of COVID-19 have been particularly difficult for families with seriously ill children. Since the onset of the pandemic, Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network, has seen significant growth in the number of families in need.
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