A Legacy of Caring and Compassion: Remembering Dr. Van Z”L

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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 Crisis and Trauma Team Expands its Support Across South Florida

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline Names Drs. Scott Moerdler and Joe Oved as New Co-Medical Directors of Camp Simcha

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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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Team Lifeline Celebrates 18 Years of Inspiration and Impact at Miami Marathon

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

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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Send Chai Lifeline Purim Cards And Support Children with Serious Illnesses

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

Purim is fast approaching! Before you know it, we will be busy getting the kids into their costumes, running to megillah, preparing for the seuda, and so much more. To help keep the day stress-free and truly full of simcha, consider sending some Chai Lifeline Purim cards in lieu of mishloach manos this year. Purim Cards are a great way to support a tzedakah you care about, while including the recipient in the mitzvah—all in a meaningful and convenient way.

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Following Tragic Plane Crash, Chai Lifeline Crisis Team Provides Support to Cleveland Community

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

In response to the tragic plane crash which claimed the lives of two beloved members of the Cleveland Jewish community, Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Team has been providing immediate and ongoing support to local organizations and schools.

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Chai Lifeline Ramps Up Crisis and Trauma Response Volunteer Recruitment

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Chai Lifeline

Volunteer trainings taking place in communities across the globe

In the wake of recent tragic events, Chai Lifeline has been working closely with Jewish communities across the U.S. and around the world to train and recruit local volunteers in crisis and trauma response.

“A singular traumatic event can have a long-term impact on our children, families, and communities for years to come,” said Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. “Sadly, many tragedies in recent years—from illness diagnoses and sudden deaths to natural disasters and the war in Ukraine—have brought this issue to the forefront.”

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Chai Lifeline Chanukah Party Shines Bright for Families with Illness

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline Families Enjoy Weekend Retreat at Camp Simcha

Posted on December 7, 2022 by myaniv

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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Chai Lifeline National Gala Celebrates “An Evening of Heroes”

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Chai Lifeline

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.

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