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.
“For years, families in our community have relied on and benefitted from the world-renowned services and quality of care provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,” said Chai Lifeline NJ/PA Director Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW. “CHOP has been an important partner for Chai Lifeline, playing a critical role in helping countless lives impacted by pediatric illness over the years. We are honored to partner with CHOP to keep our community informed and up to date on the latest advances in the world of pediatric medicine.”
Organizations represented at the event included: A Time, Agudas Israel of America, Amudim, Baltimore Bikur Cholim, Beth Medrash Govoah, BINA, Bonei Olam, Central Hatzolah, Chaim Medical Resource, Chayim Aruchim, Chemed, ECHO Institute of Health, Chesed 24/7, Hamaspik, Hatzolah of Central Jersey, Highway of Hope. Jewish Chron’s & Colitis Support Group, JFCS Philadelphia, JFS South Jersey, Lakewood Township, Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim of Lakewood, Raritan Valley Bikur Cholim, RCCS, Refuah Help Line, Renewal, and Yachad of Bobov.
Following opening remarks by Peter Grollman, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at CHOP, Rabbi Fried, and Dr. Joseph St. Geme, Physician-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, participants broke out into sessions with experts in various fields of medicine. Several scientists welcomed attendees to their state-of-the-art research labs and gave hands-on demonstrations of their cutting-edge developments. Participants were amazed as they explored CHOP’s world-renowned brain tumor lab and got a behind-the-scenes look at the latest research and breakthroughs in treatments and surgical techniques for brain tumors.
“Chai Lifeline has nearly four decades of experience in supporting families confronting all forms of pediatric illness,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Over that time, we have built strong relationships with the top doctors and medical institutions in the country. Tonight, we are proud to convene leaders in the worlds of medicine and the Jewish community to build bridges and share resources that will improve outcomes for our children and families.”
The event concluded with a meet-and-greet dessert reception, during which leading rabbonim who deal with countless medical sheilos and askanim involved in the medical world had the opportunity to personally raise their questions with dozens of CHOP physicians.
“The team at Chai Lifeline has long been a valuable and trusted source of information when it comes to making sure we’re delivering the best care in a setting that is warm, comfortable and accommodating to the unique needs of the local Jewish community,” said Grollman. “The team’s influence is visible in so many ways throughout our hospitals in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, from the availability of kosher foods to the environment we provide for families celebrating Shabbat. Our partnership is an extension of CHOP’s mission to create the ideal experience for all patients and families who walk through our doors.”
Chai Lifeline is an international children’s health support network providing social, emotional, and financial assistance to children with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses and their families. To learn more, visit www.chailifeline.org.
