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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I first heard about Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha, from my nieces in the USA. About 20 years ago, they were in the Big Sisters program and division heads for Camp Simcha. Their stories of bravery and resilience really inspired me. The idea that these children could not only forget the pain and suffering that was going on in their lives but actually be on top of the world for a couple of weeks was really exciting. The feeling of giving love and raising the quality of life for ill children and their siblings just blew me away. After learning more about Chai Lifeline, I thought since unfortunately there are sick children everywhere, we must introduce Chai Lifeline here in Belgium and across Europe.
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Chai Lifeline is pleased to announce the appointment of Racheli Daniel as director of its Mid-Atlantic region. Daniel currently serves as chair of the Beth Tfiloh Dahan High School Science Department and has previous experience as an educator at various Baltimore-area institutions.
read full storyWith the opening of CHOP King of Prussia, a new branch of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Chai Lifeline opened a new, fully-stocked Kosher Pantry to meet the needs of families in the hospital. On the day the King of Prussia hospital first opened its doors, the kosher pantry was ready and inviting with an assortment of delicious food, drinks, and other amenities, to ensure that families have everything they need during their stay in the hospital.
“Plans for the King of Prussia pantry were in motion for months,” said Rabbi Aharon Koslowitz, Director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Community Services. “The careful thought that was put into the food options, additional items, and layout of the pantry has resulted in a true haven for families in the hospital. “
Dozens of families have already benefitted from the comfortable and inviting room, taking advantage of the oasis of calm in the hectic hospital setting to eat a wholesome meal and recharge for a short while before returning to their children’s bedside.
“Positive feedback from community members who have visited CHOP King of Prussia has been pouring in,” said Mrs. Nataly Weiss, Chai Lifeline Director of Leadership Development. “They’re grateful to know that no matter the CHOP location, they can always rely on Chai Lifeline’s kosher pantry for nourishment.”
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Main Campus Kosher Pantry and the CHOP King of Prussia Kosher Pantry are both fully stocked and available to all families in the hospital requiring kosher food. For any questions about the pantry, sponsorship opportunities, or to get in touch with a CHOP case manager for other services available in the hospital, please email nj@chailifeline.org or call 732-719-1700.
On March 13, over 200 Chai Lifeline kids and family members took part in Chai Lifeline Mid-Atlantic’s Purim party held in Bais Yaakov of Baltimore. The night was jam-packed with fun activities including special themed arts and crafts, a carnival, and a stunning acrobatics show. Additionally, each child received an individual Mishloach Manos.
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On Sunday March 6th, over 300 Chai Lifeline West Coast children and parents came together for an “Off the Wall” Purim celebration. The party took place at Off the Wall Family Fun Center in Woodland Hills. The kids enjoyed the many fun and thrilling attractions including extreme slides, obstacle courses, moon bounces, bumper cars, ropes courses, rock walls, laser tag, arcades, arts and crafts and delicious food.
read full storyChai Lifeline, the leading children’s health support network, has announced the formation of an advisory board to help provide strategic guidance and leadership to its Mid-Atlantic region. The new members of the board include Eliezer Abramson, Dovid Barer, Bill Galkin, Sharon Galkin, Gamliel Hakerman, Daniel Ketabian, Eli Portnoy, Michal Seidemann, and Dovid Weinberger.
read full storyWhile the practical and medical needs of the refugees from the Ukrainian war have elicited a massive international response, the emotional and mental toll the crisis is taking on refugees—as well as the global community at large—is getting far less attention. In recent days, Chai Lifeline has been working to fill that gap by providing training and resources to Jewish communities and organizations to help people deal with the immense mental traumas that can come with such crises.
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For families with children with disabilities, the seemingly simple task of getting around can be a daunting challenge. Day-to-day activities, like getting to therapy and medical appointments, are often overwhelming and require complex planning. The availability and cost of accessible vehicles can also be extremely prohibitive.
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Eight years ago on a spring Shabbos morning, my wife said she was not feeling well. An hour later she was in the ICU paralyzed from the neck down. That day turned our world upside down. I was introduced to Chai Lifeline, which I had thought was simply a nice organization that gives sick kids gifts and takes them to Disney World, but over the next few months, I had realized how wrong I was. Chai Lifeline became a huge part of our lives.
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