Summer is back for kids with serious illnesses and disabilities Camp Simcha Without Borders began the first of its summer sessions last week. The local camp is operated by Chai Lifeline Mid-Atlantic, the local chapter of the children’s health organization providing social, emotional, and financial assistance to families impacted by pediatric illness, crisis, and loss.
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On May 8, Chai Lifeline kids got to experience the race of a lifetime at this year’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix race. A special anonymous donor generously provided four nights at a hotel and highly sought, sold-out tickets to 18 Chai Lifeline kids and their families. The group had a great time watching drivers race by their track-side seats up-close.
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When a loved one is going through a hard time, it’s natural to want to be there for them. However, many people get stuck on what they can do. This can lead to either doing nothing or being there in a way that misses the mark. One easy way of showing support may be bringing affected families or children a gift. A thoughtful present shows that you are thinking of the family and child and can make a difficult time just a bit more bearable.
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What drew me to Chai Lifeline was seeing and hearing about so much pain and suffering and not being able to help. My position at Chai Lifeline, allows me to respond to illness and make a difference in the world. As a case manager, my day-to-day is always really different however, I generally spend my time building relationships with both families and volunteers. This is in addition to the general event planning and supporting families, through respite, big siblings programs, helping with errands or meals, etc. My favorite part of the job is connecting with families on a personal level and being able to alleviate their burden, even just a little bit, during a difficult time.
read full storyAfter two years of the program being forced to postpone due to COVID-19, a group of childhood cancer survivors are traveling to Israel this week as part of Chai Lifeline’s annual “Wish at the Wall” program. The trip is Chai Lifeline’s celebration of life for those who have completed treatment for cancer. Each participant is invited to share the memorable journey with a parent.
read full storyClose to 20 years ago, Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar and I developed Project Chai as way to broaden the services of Chai Lifeline to the greater community by providing intervention for crisis and trauma, which went beyond medical conditions. We aimed to provide formal training in the community for committed individuals to serve as first responders in a range of emergency circumstances. Nearly eight years ago, Rabbi Scholar asked me to serve as director of Project Chai.
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I first got involved in Chai Lifeline in 2001 as a camper at Camp Simcha when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. From that first experience, I knew that once I was well, I wanted to give back and help others as I had been helped by Chai Lifeline. A few years later, I became a Camp Simcha counselor and then a division head, and I knew I wanted to incorporate this passion into my career. After graduating with a PhD in psychology, I interned for the Chai Lifeline crisis and bereavement team, and then went on to become the director of clinical & family services for the Chai Lifeline’s Greater New York region.
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On January 7-8, Mr. and Mrs. Yechiel Mayer (a.k.a. Franky) Frenkel, along with the Toms River Community hosted an unforgettable Chai Lifeline Shabbaton for 70 Camp Simcha boys and staff.The boys arrived on Friday afternoon to a welcome party where they reminisced about camp, connected with old friends, and received special gift bags full of goodies and toys. The event was fully medically-supervised, with a paramedic, 4 nurses, and 3 Camp Simcha division heads led by Rabbi Duvy Feiler on hand.
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On Monday, December 20, luxury fashion brand Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman welcomed a group of Chai Lifeline girls impacted by pediatric illness to visit its Manhattan showroom and get an inside look at the world of fashion. The event was coordinated and led by Teri Jon Creative Director Leora Mishan who spoke about the process of fashion design and the power of taking ideas and insight from all around. The girls then enjoyed light refreshments before leaving for the Chai Lifeline New York office for lunch.
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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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