Children with serious illness and their families got into the Chanukah spirit with Chai Lifeline’s first-ever Simcha Cruise on Sunday night, November 21. More than 1,200 participants from across the tri-state area enjoyed delicious food, exciting games and activities, and breathtaking Hudson River views of the New York skyline and Statue of Liberty aboard the three-story luxury yacht. The Chanukah Party was sponsored by Cross River Bank.
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Chai Lifeline West Coast presents its first-ever virtual gala on Wednesday, December 15 at 8 PM. The program, titled “A Night of Champions” will honor Los Angeles residents Drs. Atara and Dael Geft, Chai Lifeline family Jonathan, Naama, Aya and Ari Ellman, and will pay tribute to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The online event will feature guest appearances by comedian Elon Gold and Jeopardy! Host Mayim Bialik.
“The story of Chai Lifeline and the tremendous impact we have on children and families dealing with illness and loss is one of community,” said Director of Chai Lifeline West Coast, Randi Grossman. “This Gala is a tribute to our community of champions who make the life-changing work of Chai Lifeline possible.”
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While tens of thousands of runners prepped and waited for the NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 7, one runner, 28-year-old Jonah Adelsberg, looked forward to a special milestone just three days later.
November 10 marked 20 years since Jonah was diagnosed with non-Hodgins lymphoma at age 8, and when he began mentally training for a marathon.
Now managing a music studio in Brooklyn, NY, Jonah dedicated his marathon run to raise funds for Chai Lifeline, the international health network that provides a network of support services for children and families facing serious illness and other challenges. Over the years he and his father ran numerous half-marathons with Team Lifeline, Chai Lifeline’s endurance training program, raising over $100,000 for the organization that he credits with helping him get through his personal health crisis. This was Jonah’s first full marathon, and where better to run it than at the famed NYC Marathon, a bucket list item for Jonah and millions of others.
The Chai Lifeline Annual LH Financial Winter Retreat held this year on December 27-29 at the beautiful Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ, brought together 500 family members, rabbinic figures, mental health experts, volunteers, and staff for an extended weekend of professional and peer support, educational programming, respite and relaxation, and inspiration.
The Melava Malka at Achim B’Yachad’s Shabbaton at the Fischl home was a treat for children and adults alike.
In today’s busy society, much of our family bonding time takes place on Shabbos. It’s the day that we switch off and unplug, leaving the distractions of everyday life to focus on our loved ones.
At Chai Lifeline, some of our most powerful family moments and memories are created on community-shared Shabbatons. As Lakewood’s population grows and diversifies at unprecedented rates, we adjust our programs and retreats to appeal to as many people as possible. Two of this year’s highlights were the newly-introduced Achim B’Yachad Shabbaton and the annual Chestnut Shabbaton. read full story
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
It’s impossible to shield children from sadness, but parents can take steps to make sad or disturbing news easier to hear — and bear.
Dr. Cheryl Book, Director of Family and Clinical Services, answers parents’ questions about how to break the news that someone a child knows has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
Unfortunately, it is quite probable that most children will know someone who is diagnosed with cancer during their childhoods. It could be a friend or teacher, a neighbor or a family member. It might be someone on their periphery, or someone close to them. Your child will have questions and will look to you for answers. The following pointers may make a difficult conversation easier. read full story
Madeline’s illness took a chunk of her childhood – but not her spirit or zest for life. Her experience at Camp Simcha inspired her to give forward. She now plans a professional life of helping others.
When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with cancer and Chai Lifeline changed my life! They were always there for me when I needed someone. Camp Simcha changed my life and I made so many friends there. I still speak to them from this day! When I grow up, I want to be an American Sign Language teacher to help kids who are deaf. Thank you Chai Lifeline!
Madeline Benoff
Camp Simcha was turned into a Magic Kingdom this summer.
It’s always enchanting to watch the buses pull in to Camp Simcha. Four times a summer, children alight into the waiting arms of counselors, go through a purple arch and emerge into a world where illness recedes and fun awaits. read full story
Does Chai Lifeline bring out the natural empathy in people, or are people who are touched by the organization more likely to nurture their empathetic abilities when choosing careers?
