Einav Danino, mother of Ori Danino HY”D, who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas following the Nova Music Festival on October 7, recently visited Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised summer camp for children with cancer and serious illness.
A group of courageous Israeli girls battling cancer arrived in New York on Thursday, July 26, aboard one of the first civilian flights out of Israel since the recent ceasefire with Iran. Their destination: Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised overnight camp in Glen Spey, NY, for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
On Sunday, May 25, Chai Lifeline marked a significant milestone with the formal launch of its Sephardic Division, celebrated at the beautiful home of Abe and Vivian Dushey in Deal, NJ. The event brought together over 350 community members, leaders, and supporters to recognize the impact Chai Lifeline has made, and continues to make, within the Sephardic community.
This past Shabbos, May 23-24, the Englewood Jewish community once again opened its hearts and homes for Chai Lifeline’s 14th annual Englewood Shabbaton—a deeply moving weekend filled with connection, compassion, and unwavering community support. The Shabbaton welcomed over 60 Chai Lifeline children and teens and brought together more than 150 participants for a weekend of unity and simcha.
Chai Lifeline is proud to announce the release of its 2024–2025 Impact Report, themed “Navigating Hope.” This year’s report offers a powerful and visual journey through the many ways Chai Lifeline has supported children and families confronting illness, crisis, and trauma across the globe.
This summer, Chai Lifeline will once again bring the magic and joy of Camp Simcha to communities across the country through Camp Simcha Without Borders, offering thrilling day camp experiences for children and teens impacted by serious illness and medical challenges.
With programs planned in cities across Chai Lifeline regions—including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Baltimore, and Lakewood—Camp Simcha Without Borders ensures that every child, no matter their medical condition or ability to travel, can experience the laughter, friendship, and empowerment that define Camp Simcha.
From March 27–30, Chai Lifeline’s LH Financial Services National Retreat provided families of children with serious illnesses from across North America with a meaningful and restorative pre-Pesach experience. More than 275 children, parents, and staff gathered at the scenic Camp Simcha campus in Glen Spey, NY, where they were enveloped in warmth, support, and the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges.
In the wake of the devastating car crash that claimed the lives of two young girls and a mother in Flatbush over Shabbat, Chai Lifeline’s Sephardic Division has been on the ground providing immediate crisis and trauma support to a shocked and grieving community.
Chai Lifeline’s Rivkah Reichmann, LCSW, Associate Director of Camp Simcha Special, Mushka Nathanson, BSN, RN, CPN, and Chris Lally, RN, CDES from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone recently took the stage at the American Camp Association Tri-State Camp Conference to share critical insights on Managing Diabetes at Camp.
This year, Chai Lifeline brought the simcha (joy) of Purim to children and families across the country! From festive parties to Mishloach Manos deliveries, Chai Lifeline ensured that those facing medical challenges experienced the happiness and warmth that Purim brings.