As a family-oriented organization, we recognize the importance of forging strong connections with like-minded families. Two of our most valued relationships are with others fighting the same battle against illness in our community: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. read full story
Mrs. Naomi (Stavsky) Gorelick
Director of Hospital Services
Every family is different. So how can we say that Chai Lifeline takes care of every family’s needs?
That is precisely our strength. We have assembled a team of case managers who are assigned a deceptively simple mission: to take care of our Chai Lifeline families. Our scope of services is nuanced, just like the role of a loved one; we are simply there for our family. read full story
Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW
Regional Director
Chai Lifeline Lakewood was established nearly two decades ago by Rabbi Simcha Scholar, a man whose dream was to assist our community’s who families stricken by serious illness, rachmana litzlan, by enveloping them in the warmth and care for which Chai Lifeline is renowned. Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff assembled a small but determined team with an unassuming presence in an equally small and modest town. read full story
Our 2017 Annual Report is more than a summary of numbers. In language and design, the Report clearly and succinctly describes the impact that our programs and services have on more than 5,400 children and families around the world.
Amid the peace and tranquility of a spring weekend at Camp Simcha, 20 families came together to mourn beloved children and find strength for the days ahead during the Donald Alan Harris Healing Hearts Bereavement Retreat. read full story
Camp Simcha gets ready for its biggest season ever.
In the words of a well-known politician, “It’s going to be HUGE!”
That’s the advance word on this summer at Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special, the overnight summer camp designed to meet the medical and social needs of children and teens with a wide variety of serious illnesses. read full story
The impact of Camp Simcha lasts way beyond the summer.
Rivky Schwartz, girls head counselor at Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special, received this text from a longtime camper. (We’ve changed a few of the details to protect our camper’s privacy.)
When Nechama Greenberg* was 13 years old, she began taking care of a young cousin who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia. He lived in her area and Nechama quickly learned all aspects of his medical situation, sometimes sleeping in his room in case of an emergency. It was through him that she first became introduced to Chai Lifeline. She would often shadow him at their events, and constantly met volunteers who would visit while he was in the hospital. Eventually, the summer after seminary, Nechama spent her first of three summers as a Camp Simcha counselor and she became involved through-out the year as well. read full story
Parents of teens with chronic medical or physical challenges can help ease the shift to young adulthood through careful and early planning, according to educational and financial consultants who specialize in helping families through this transition. read full story
There were latkes and sufganiyot, desserts and delightful gifts at every Chai Lifeline Chanukah event this year. But what people came for – and found in abundance – were the distinctive Chai Lifeline friendship, camaraderie and support that will help them cope with the crises and challenges of living with illness or loss in their homes.
“Chanukah is a joyful season that we all look forward to,” explained Rabbi Simcha Scholar, the organization’s international executive vice president. “Unfortunately, there are myriad situations that affect the joy that families expect to experience. Some children will be in the hospital, which means that their siblings will be forced to celebrate without them. Others will be ill, but at home. Some will be saddened by the illness or loss of a sibling or parent. Our mission this time of year is to make sure that no child is forgotten, and every child’s celebration is enhanced.”
The organization goes all out this time of year. Chai Lifeline offices around the globe put their distinctive spin on the holiday. read full story
