Some of South Florida’s youngest artists will make their debut this Sunday, with an exhibition featuring their work at an upscale gallery in Aventura on August 26.
Jacob and Ariel Horton will debut their artwork at Gallery Art in Aventura on August 26.
Meet Jacob and Ariel Horton, two brothers from Boca Raton who have a unique talent for drawing. read full story
Children living with serious illnesses, their families, and volunteers from Chai Lifeline West Coast Sohacheski Family Center, a health support network which provides emotional, social, and financial support to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families, enjoyed a day at the ballpark rooting for their hometown LA Dodgers on July 30. Thanks to the generosity of the Dodgers organization, 250 children, family members, volunteers and friends filled an entire section of the stadium as they watched the Dodgers take on the Milwaukee Brewers. read full story
More than 500 former Camp Simcha campers, counselors and staff, along with their families, celebrated Alumni Day on Sunday, July 29 at Camp Simcha’s Glen Spey, New York campus. Participants enjoyed an array of interactive activities and programming with current campers and staff, as well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends and familiar faces.
Amid the peace and tranquility of a spring weekend at Camp Simcha, 20 families came together to mourn beloved children and find strength for the days ahead during the Donald Alan Harris Healing Hearts Bereavement Retreat. read full story
The impact of Camp Simcha lasts way beyond the summer.
Rivky Schwartz, girls head counselor at Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special, received this text from a longtime camper. (We’ve changed a few of the details to protect our camper’s privacy.)
When Nechama Greenberg* was 13 years old, she began taking care of a young cousin who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia. He lived in her area and Nechama quickly learned all aspects of his medical situation, sometimes sleeping in his room in case of an emergency. It was through him that she first became introduced to Chai Lifeline. She would often shadow him at their events, and constantly met volunteers who would visit while he was in the hospital. Eventually, the summer after seminary, Nechama spent her first of three summers as a Camp Simcha counselor and she became involved through-out the year as well. read full story
Parents of teens with chronic medical or physical challenges can help ease the shift to young adulthood through careful and early planning, according to educational and financial consultants who specialize in helping families through this transition. read full story
It’s impossible to shield children from sadness, but parents can take steps to make sad or disturbing news easier to hear — and bear.
Dr. Cheryl Book, Director of Family and Clinical Services, answers parents’ questions about how to break the news that someone a child knows has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
Unfortunately, it is quite probable that most children will know someone who is diagnosed with cancer during their childhoods. It could be a friend or teacher, a neighbor or a family member. It might be someone on their periphery, or someone close to them. Your child will have questions and will look to you for answers. The following pointers may make a difficult conversation easier. read full story
Madeline’s illness took a chunk of her childhood – but not her spirit or zest for life. Her experience at Camp Simcha inspired her to give forward. She now plans a professional life of helping others.
When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with cancer and Chai Lifeline changed my life! They were always there for me when I needed someone. Camp Simcha changed my life and I made so many friends there. I still speak to them from this day! When I grow up, I want to be an American Sign Language teacher to help kids who are deaf. Thank you Chai Lifeline!
Madeline Benoff
Summer Dayz extends Chai Lifeline Southeast’s recreational and social programming for children through the summer months.
One of the quandaries that Chai Lifeline faces annually is how to give the love, acceptance, and confidence that children find at Chai Lifeline throughout the year to kids during the summer months. Last year, Chai Lifeline Southeast, the regional branch of the international children’s health support organization, created the ultimate fix for them: Summer Dayz. read full story
