Then…and Now

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

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

Hundreds of cyclists raised millions of dollars to fund Chai Lifeline's year-round activities at this year's Bike4Chai and Tour de Simcha bicycling events.

BIKE4CHAI, TOUR DE SIMCHA TAKE CYCLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL FOR OUR CHILDREN

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Hundreds of cyclists raised millions of dollars to fund Chai Lifeline’s year-round services at Bike4Chai and Tour de Simcha.

Over 700 cyclists put cleats to pedals to raise money for Chai Lifeline’s children and families in two separate events this summer. read full story →

Camp Simcha Works Its Magic for 440 Campers

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

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 →

Triumphant Tour De Simcha Cycles Into Camp Simcha Special

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

The Tour De Simcha entry to camp was led by two CSS cyclists.

The road from Vernon, NJ to Glen Spey, NY was dotted with pink last week when 219 women cycled their way from the Minerals Spa and Resort to Camp Simcha Special as part of the 2017 Tour de Simcha. read full story →

“Just Keep Trying” Adaptive Athlete Tells Camp Simcha Special Girls

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Adaptive athlete Lindsay Hilton had a clear message for the girls of Camp Simcha Special: “Just try.”

Lindsay Hilton was born without lower limbs on her legs or arms, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a CrossFit sensation, company spokesperson, and award-winning adaptive athlete. This summer, she added motivational speaker to her long list of accomplishments when she broke numerous barriers for the girls of Camp Simcha Special. read full story →

MID-ATLANTIC “ENTOURAGE” BRINGS YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TO JOHNS HOPKINS

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Entourage offers younger volunteers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of peers living with illnesses.

A unique collaboration between Chai Lifeline Mid-Atlantic and Johns Hopkins Medical Center is integrating young volunteers into Chai Lifeline while creating exciting programs for children battling a number of medical conditions.

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Camp Simcha Girls Repeat the March of Hope

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Camp Simcha’s March of Hope gave 400 campers and staff a chance to celebrate life and survivorship.

A new generation of girls fighting cancer marched over the Brooklyn Bridge in a celebration of life, joy, and hope.

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Donate El Al Matmid Points to Chai Lifeline Via ChaiSkies

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Wondering what to do with your extra Matmid points? Donate them to Chai Lifeline and they will be put to use to bring children to Camp Simcha or help families come to the United States for needed medical treatment. read full story →

Fitting Everyone In: Raising Healthy Siblings When a Child is Ill

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Chai Lifeline

When a child is born or diagnosed with a serious illness, brothers and sisters are bound to be impacted. Why do some exhibit signs of stress or depression while others seem to thrive?

Siblings living alongside a child with a chronic illness will experience a jumble of positive and negative reactions. They can feel love and a combination of resentment, embarrassment, guilt, sorrow or fear simultaneously. Without the skills to understand and cope, a child’s self-esteem can suffer. Anger and guilt can turn inward, leading to a sense of shame or worthlessness. Depression, anxiety or somatic symptoms can arise.
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Does Your Child Qualify for SSI Benefits?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Chai Lifeline

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We welcome this contribution from Deanna Power of Social Security Disability Help. Please note that we cannot answer any questions about specific situations. Please address all questions about eligibility or how to apply to help@disability-benefits-help.org.

: SSI offers financial relief to families living with serious pediatric illness.

It is almost a law of nature that a child’s illness impacts a family’s income. Medical bills, time off from work, extra housekeeping or childcare needs add up quickly. SSI (Supplemental Security Income), a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides some relief for families through monthly financial assistance to parents of children with life-threatening or severe chronic illnesses.
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