Chai Lifeline Midwest recently conducted a series of comprehensive training seminars for the newest members of its local crisis and trauma response team. The sessions, led by renowned expert Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Services, saw the participation of thirty dedicated men and women volunteers from across Chicago’s Jewish community. The group trainings were generously hosted by Yitzy Weiss at the WiFi Professional Building in Skokie, Illinois.
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Pesach is a time of joy and celebration for many families, but for those impacted by illness, trauma, or loss it can be a difficult and challenging time. Fortunately, Chai Lifeline is there to offer support and make Yom Tov a little bit easier for families in need. From family programming and financial assistance to meal deliveries and car cleanings, Chai Lifeline regions across the country helped alleviate stress and elevate the holiday for thousands of families.
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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’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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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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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.
read full storyChai 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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