A Legacy of Caring and Compassion: Remembering Dr. Van Z”L

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

The Camp Simcha Special Family mourns the recent passing of Dr. Robert Van Amerongen Z”L, medical director of Camp Simcha Special. Dr. Van, as he was lovingly known by campers and staff alike, helped lead the Camp Simcha Special medical program since its inception in 2001. His kindness, warmth, sense of humor, and gentle manner were an inspiration to all who knew him. As we mourn his passing, we also remember Dr. Van’s legacy of caring and compassion, and the impact he had on the lives of so many.

Rivkah Reichmann, LCSW, associate director of Camp Simcha Special, shared her memories of her dear colleague and friend, Dr.Van.

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Chai Lifeline Crisis and Trauma Team Expands its Support Across South Florida

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

Chai Lifeline’s crisis and trauma response team continues to grow and expand its network of support in South Florida. In recent weeks, Chai Lifeline Southeast presented a series of lectures, workshops, and events for local rabbis, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders on various trauma-related topics.

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Chai Lifeline Names Drs. Scott Moerdler and Joe Oved as New Co-Medical Directors of Camp Simcha

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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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Team Lifeline Celebrates 18 Years of Inspiration and Impact at Miami Marathon

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline Chanukah Party Shines Bright for Families with Illness

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline Families Enjoy Weekend Retreat at Camp Simcha

Posted on December 7, 2022 by myaniv

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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Chai Lifeline National Gala Celebrates “An Evening of Heroes”

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline Midwest Receives Klepak Foundation Grant to Launch Performing Arts Program, Strengthen Case Management

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Chai Lifeline

Chai Lifeline, the leading Jewish children’s health support network, has received a grant of $100,000 from the Ralla Klepak Foundation for the Education in the Performing Arts to support the development of new initiatives in the performing arts and bolster its Midwest case management program.

“Ralla Klepak, of blessed memory, understood the powerful role the arts play in bringing joy and hope to the disadvantaged,” said Rabbi Shlomo Crandall, director of Chai Lifeline Midwest. “This grant will enable us to carry on Ralla’s legacy of compassion and care through exciting new programming for children and families in our community.”

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A Community of Support: Families Living with Disabilities Connect at Chai Lifeline Retreat

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Administrator

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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Chai Lifeline Mid-Atlantic Welcomes Racheli Daniel as New Director

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Administrator

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.

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