When my daughter Evy was diagnosed with cancer at age seven and began treatment, it was incredibly difficult to see my child unwell. As a physician, it was especially challenging to know that she had a long road ahead filled with many procedures and treatments that were not only scary but would likely make her feel even worse.

This summer, hundreds of children with serious illnesses will have the opportunity to experience the joy and camaraderie of summer camp through the Camp Simcha Without Borders initiative, now in its fourth year. Spearheaded by Chai Lifeline, this program allows the impactful experiences of the flagship Camp Simcha to be accessible to boys and girls right in their own communities.

Chai Lifeline West Coast hosted its inaugural women’s event, Pampering For A Purpose, on Thursday, May 16th, at Tikkun Holistic Spa in Santa Monica. The event was a resounding success, offering a day of wellness and relaxation for women while also supporting an incredible cause. The entire full-circle experience provided a meaningful way for women in the community to connect with and support the mothers of Chai Lifeline while learning about other impactful ways to be of service and support.

Chai Lifeline’s annual Friends and Fun Shabbaton took place on May 17-18, bringing together 63 girls impacted by pediatric illness, over 150 dedicated volunteers, and the wonderful women of the Englewood community. The committee included Rivka Gordon, Deborah Berger, Jodi Cohen and Lori Schlackman, a group that has worked together on this Shabbaton for the past 12 years. This powerful weekend not only provided joy but also fostered a deep sense of unity and support among all participants. 

As the school year winds down, one particular group of students is looking back with a distinct sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing they have made a real difference in the lives of others. Through Chai Lifeline’s Goodman Family i-Shine afterschool program, more than 800 teen volunteers have served as mentors to children affected by serious illness or loss. The program takes place in communities across the country for weekly sessions that include dinner, homework help, and various recreational activities, providing essential support to these often-overlooked ‘shadow children.’

For 25 years, Chai Lifeline New Jersey has been there to help more than 1,000 families in their community, transforming a journey filled with uncertainty into one marked by hope and compassion. It has made Chai Lifeline a family, not just an organization. Chai Lifeline New Jersey will turn to their extended New Jersey family through an online crowdfunding campaign, starting Tuesday, May 21 at 12 PM and concluding at 12pm on Thursday, May 23, aimed at raising $1.8 million to help support local children and families facing illness, crisis, and loss.