The Chanukah story teaches us how a small army was able to miraculously defeat a much larger army.
Our inspirational Chanukah story this year involves one young volunteer who made a big difference in the lives of our Chai Lifeline families.
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Summer is back for kids with serious illnesses and disabilities Camp Simcha Without Borders finished the first of its summer sessions last week. The local camp is operated by Chai Lifeline Southeast, 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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For families with children with disabilities, the seemingly simple task of getting around can be a daunting challenge. Day-to-day activities, like getting to therapy and medical appointments, are often overwhelming and require complex planning. The availability and cost of accessible vehicles can also be extremely prohibitive.
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More than 500 former Camp Simcha campers, counselors and staff, along with their families, celebrated Alumni Day on Sunday, July 29 at Camp Simcha’s Glen Spey, New York campus. Participants enjoyed an array of interactive activities and programming with current campers and staff, as well as the opportunity to catch up with old friends and familiar faces.
Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW
Regional Director
Chai Lifeline Lakewood was established nearly two decades ago by Rabbi Simcha Scholar, a man whose dream was to assist our community’s who families stricken by serious illness, rachmana litzlan, by enveloping them in the warmth and care for which Chai Lifeline is renowned. Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff assembled a small but determined team with an unassuming presence in an equally small and modest town. read full story
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.
Camp Simcha gets ready for its biggest season ever.
In the words of a well-known politician, “It’s going to be HUGE!”
That’s the advance word on this summer at Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special, the overnight summer camp designed to meet the medical and social needs of children and teens with a wide variety of serious illnesses. read full story
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.)
There were latkes and sufganiyot, desserts and delightful gifts at every Chai Lifeline Chanukah event this year. But what people came for – and found in abundance – were the distinctive Chai Lifeline friendship, camaraderie and support that will help them cope with the crises and challenges of living with illness or loss in their homes.
“Chanukah is a joyful season that we all look forward to,” explained Rabbi Simcha Scholar, the organization’s international executive vice president. “Unfortunately, there are myriad situations that affect the joy that families expect to experience. Some children will be in the hospital, which means that their siblings will be forced to celebrate without them. Others will be ill, but at home. Some will be saddened by the illness or loss of a sibling or parent. Our mission this time of year is to make sure that no child is forgotten, and every child’s celebration is enhanced.”
The organization goes all out this time of year. Chai Lifeline offices around the globe put their distinctive spin on the holiday. read full story
The 2017 Annual Gala celebrating the work of Chai Lifeline internationally was an evening of laughter and tears, amazement and awe.
Master Mentalist Lior Suchard astounded us with his abilities. At one point, two members of our audience multiplied several numbers important only to them. When they revealed the number on their cellphone, he revealed the number on a huge scroll. when the scroll was turned upside down, the numbers spelled out “Chai Lifeline.”
We were brought to tears by the hauntingly beautiful “We Are Strong: The Faces of Hope,” written by Malky Storch, Bracha Goldstein and Miriam Storch. They sang the song to their beloved sister, Hudis, as she lay dying. It was sung publicly for the first time by 8th Day at the Gala. read full story
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