Chai Lifeline West Coast to Celebrate A Night of Champions at December 15 Virtual Gala

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Chai Lifeline

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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Chai Lifeline’s Annual Report Summarizes What We Do Every Day

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Chai Lifeline

Our 2017 Annual Report is more than a summary of numbers. In language and design, the Report clearly and succinctly describes the impact that our programs and services have on more than 5,400 children and families around the world.

Read it here.

Heard From a Client…

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Chai Lifeline

The impact of Camp Simcha lasts way beyond the summer.

Rivky Schwartz, girls head counselor at Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special, received this text from a longtime camper. (We’ve changed a few of the details to protect our camper’s privacy.)

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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 →

“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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Paws of Love Helps Children Emerge From Their Shells

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Chai Lifeline

Interacting with pets has physical and emotional benefits for children with illnesses.*
*Photo used for illustrative purposes only.

In the spring of 2016, Eli was diagnosed with a serious chronic disorder. As the realities of his new life, one where he would be more restricted in his movement, sunk in, he became more withdrawn. Concerned, they confided their worries to their Chai Lifeline West Coast case manager. read full story →

help your teen with chronic illness become independent and treatment-compliant

5 Steps to Take To Nudge Your Teen With Chronic Illness to Take Responsibility For Her Health

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Chai Lifeline

Adolescence is a time when parents of teens with chronic illnesses or medical challenges may want to tear their hair out.

Adolescence is the period where teens need to psychologically move away from their parents and become more independent. Many times, teens will push limits to see how far they can go.
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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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