Mothers’ Programs Offer Needed Respite, Care, Friendship

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Dedicated retreats and events help mothers weather the non-stop stress of parenting an ill child.*
*Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Faye R. was in a constant state of exhaustion. There simply weren’t enough hours in the day to care for a child with a chronic illness. When her daughter Rachel was well enough to go to school, the after-school hours brought an endless round of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Medications and special food requirements took hours to fulfill. Illness meant trips to the doctor or even hospitalization. Rachel’s three siblings needed attention and care, too.

“After a while, I didn’t even have words to describe it anymore,” she lamented. read full story →

Paws of Love Helps Children Emerge From Their Shells

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Interacting with pets has physical and emotional benefits for children with illnesses.*
*Photo used for illustrative purposes only.

In the spring of 2016, Eli was diagnosed with a serious chronic disorder. As the realities of his new life, one where he would be more restricted in his movement, sunk in, he became more withdrawn. Concerned, they confided their worries to their Chai Lifeline West Coast case manager. read full story →

Becky is looking forward to her first summer at Camp Simcha.

For Becky and Family, Camp Simcha Awaits

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Becky is looking forward to her first summer at Camp Simcha.*
*Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Eight months ago, Becky B. was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare cancer that attacks bone and surrounding tissue. Since then, the 13-year-old’s life has centered around hospitals and painful treatment. The one bright spot has been the support of Chai Lifeline, whose volunteers and professionals have “adopted” the family, filling their lives with light during a very dark period.

This summer, Becky is going to Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s overnight camp adventure for children with cancer and other life-threatening or chronic illnesses and disabilities. She can’t wait, and neither can her family. read full story →

Donate El Al Matmid Points to Chai Lifeline Via ChaiSkies

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Wondering what to do with your extra Matmid points? Donate them to Chai Lifeline and they will be put to use to bring children to Camp Simcha or help families come to the United States for needed medical treatment. read full story →

Simcha’s Magic Kingdom Awaits Its Campers

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

: Campers will be able to to specialize in their favorite activities this summer.

What’s your favorite part of Disney? Minnie Mouse or Splash Mountain? Tower of Terror of Peter Pan? This year’s Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special Campers won’t have to choose, since both camps will be transformed by Camp Simcha’s famous program staff. read full story →

Getting Ready For Camp

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

: The new boardwalk is under construction.

When the snow clears in Glen Spey, and the leaves on trees begin to bud, the Camp Simcha season begins with a rush of activity. Cottages and buildings are cleaned, stocks of supplies are laid for the summer months, and the lawns are reseeded for the summer. read full story →

LEVANA™ MEAL REPLACEMENT, BALANCED NUTRITION FOR PATIENTS, PARTNERS WITH CHAI LIFELINE

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

: LEVANA™ MEAL REPLACEMENT is available online now at www.levanamealreplacement.com.

Restaurateur and caterer Levana Kirschenbaum, renowned for her healthy and delicious meal offerings, found herself at a loss when her husband Maurice was in treatment for cancer. His appetite was depressed, and the gourmand was unable to eat. When his physician suggested a commercial meal supplement, Levana looked at the ingredients and felt sick herself. She entered her kitchen and got busy.

read full story →

Reflections on Chai Lifeline’s Wish at the Wall Trip

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Administrator

February 5

It´s hard to believe, but this is the 10th time I have led this trip. I think I have finally run out of adjectives to properly describe what this trip means for the 14 teenagers and the moms and dads who join them.
read full story →

Easing Passover for Families in Medical Crises

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Administrator

Even when things are going perfectly, preparing for Passover can be stressful. It’s a perfect storm of shopping, cooking, cleaning, and possibly entertaining or being on one’s best behavior as a guest. It’s no wonder that parents in the midst of medical crises sometimes feel like they are walking a tightrope. read full story →

Achim B’Yachad Brings Chai Lifeline to Chassidic Communities

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Administrator

Ten years ago, Chai Lifeline created Achim B’Yachad, a separate division of Chai Lifeline to serve the Chassidic communities of Brooklyn and Rockland County. Today, Achim B’Yachad, though limited in geography, is the fastest-growing part of the organization.

Demographic studies, including the well-regarded Pew Report, documented the astounding growth of Chassidic communities, whose birth rate eclipses that of the rest of the Jewish community. read full story →