This week, New York Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen hosted a group of Chai Lifeline Warriors at a game for an experience they’ll never forget.
https://www.facebook.com/ChaiLifelinePage/videos/2463899227004322/
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From children’s activities and cleaning assistance to meal preparation and Chol Hamoed trips, Chai Lifeline gives families living with illness Pesach “freedom”
Shortly after cleaning out Mishloach Manos from Purim, Jews around the world start getting their homes ready for Pesach. While the frenzied cleanup, shopping and cooking can be stressful for many, it is especially challenging for families living with pediatric illness. Fortunately, Chai Lifeline is there to help, enabling those families to have a more relaxing and enjoyable Pesach. read full story
Close to 500 members of the South Florida community celebrated Chai Lifeline Southeast at its 2019 Annual Gala on March 13, at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale. read full story
48 Hour Crowdfunding Campaign Will Provide Critical Services to More Families Than Ever Before
Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network, will launch a 48-hour “Join the Fight” campaign March 12 at noon EST. In the last year, Chai Lifeline provided critical support to more children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses than ever before—a 15% year-over-year increase. This campaign will help Chai Lifeline meet the rapidly-growing need for its essential services in the community. read full story
A group of inspiring adolescents embarked on the journey of a lifetime to Israel as part of the 20th annual Hartman Family Foundation Wish at the Wall program from February 6-17. The trip is Chai Lifeline’s celebration of life for teenagers who have either completed treatment for cancer or are living with chronic illnesses or disabilities—alternating between the two groups each year. Each participant is invited to share the memorable journey with a parent. read full story
The Chai Lifeline Annual LH Financial Winter Retreat held this year on December 27-29 at the beautiful Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ, brought together 500 family members, rabbinic figures, mental health experts, volunteers, and staff for an extended weekend of professional and peer support, educational programming, respite and relaxation, and inspiration.
More than 50,000 toys to be distributed to families worldwide at annual parties and area hospitals
Fifteen-hundred people from the greater New York area gathered to celebrate Chanukah at The Palace in Brooklyn on Tuesday, November 27, at the Chai Lifeline Annual Family Chanukah Party. Upon entering, the guests were transported into a tropical-themed paradise where they feasted on a delicious buffet dinner. The event was sponsored by Cross River Bank.
Photo credit: Shimon Friedman
The children were entertained with many Chanukah crafts projects before enjoying a concert featuring the music of Lipa Schmeltzer, who helped get the crowd into the Chanukah spirit. At the conclusion of the party, each family was given a huge box filled with toys which were selected especially for them and collected as part of the Honey Engel Toy Drive by dedicated Chai Lifeline Toy Drive volunteers. Door prizes, festive foods, cookie-decorating, and the company of beloved volunteers and Big Brothers/Big Sisters also added to the excitement. Chai Lifeline volunteer Laurie Sutton and Floral Art were responsible for the beautiful décor, while Chavie Horn lent her talents as an event planner.
Photo credit: Chani Reichenberg
“I never imagined I would be in the military.”
So began the journey of one Chai Lifeline family – from a devastating diagnosis for their newborn son – to a lifetime of service as a reserve military personnel liaison connecting with Jewish soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines across the world. On this Veterans Day, Chai Lifeline pays tribute to Rabbi Elie Estrin and his family for their service to our nation:
Here, in his own words, is Rabbi Estrin’s story:
“My wife and I have six children. Our youngest son is now almost three-years-old. He was born with complex congenital heart disease as a result of heterotaxy. Despite being born in hospice care with a life expectancy of 4-6 hours, he’s proven all the doctors wrong and has done unbelievably well. read full story
IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH OF THE PITTSBURGH SYNAGOGUE MASSACRE:
ADDRESSING THE HORROR AND TRAGEDY WITH STUDENTS AND CHILDREN
A message from Project Chai, the crisis intervention, trauma and bereavement department of Chai Lifeline
Death, under any circumstance, is a painful and troubling event to face.
When our young people learn about the death of someone whom they knew, particularly if they have not encountered loss before, our task is somewhat clear. We open up a dialogue at an age-appropriate level, we listen to the child’s thoughts and observe their emotional expression, and we validate their personal reaction. Depending upon their age and maturity, and upon the questions which they pose to us, we can offer information, we might correct misunderstandings, we can clarify concepts, and we can offer support that we will continue to be open to them as they struggle to cope. Some of the same messages which we try to give ourselves when faced with tragic loss are given to young people, always at a pace and level which the child or teen can relate to. read full story
The following has been adapted from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) web resource.
Visiting a hospital for any reason can be a scary experience for children of all ages — especially when your child will be in the hospital overnight for what’s called an inpatient stay. These tips can help you prepare your child for his/her visit so that he/she feels more comfortable about their upcoming hospital stay. read full story
