Following a nationwide search of leading physicians, Chai Lifeline, the leading children’s health support network, is pleased to announce the appointment of Drs. Scott Moerdler and Joe Oved as the new Co-Medical Directors of Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s world-renowned summer program for children with cancer and other blood disorders.
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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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In response to the tragic plane crash which claimed the lives of two beloved members of the Cleveland Jewish community, Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team has been providing immediate and ongoing support to local organizations and schools.
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Volunteer trainings taking place in communities across the globe
In the wake of recent tragic events, Chai Lifeline has been working closely with Jewish communities across the U.S. and around the world to train and recruit local volunteers in crisis and trauma response.
“A singular traumatic event can have a long-term impact on our children, families, and communities for years to come,” said Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. “Sadly, many tragedies in recent years—from illness diagnoses and sudden deaths to natural disasters and the war in Ukraine—have brought this issue to the forefront.”
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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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More than 800 people turned out to celebrate Chai Lifeline at its National Gala on Monday, December 5, at Pier Sixty, New York City. The program, titled “An Evening of Heroes,” highlighted the critical work of Chai Lifeline, the Jewish community’s leading children’s health support network, and benefitted families living with serious illness, crisis, and loss.
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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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Once again, the Deal, NJ community came out in strong support of the children of Chai Lifeline as “Camp Simcha Without Borders – Simcha at the Shore” came to town. Launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Simcha Without Borders was developed to bring the magic of Simcha to children and communities across the country through day camps and special programs and events in cities across the globe.
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Physicians, medical referral professionals, askanim, rabbanim, and leaders of nonprofit organizations serving communities in the Tri-State area and beyond gathered at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on Tuesday evening, May 24, for “An Insiders’ Look at CHOP,” a special event in collaboration with Chai Lifeline. Guests came from as far as Florida and Illinois to meet and hear from leading physicians and scientists who are pioneering surgical techniques and developing new treatments for childhood diseases at CHOP’s state-of-the-art facilities.
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