Hope. Compassion. Care. Joy. The birthright of every child. Stolen by pediatric illness. Since 1987, Chai Lifeline’s mission has been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed. Through free programs that address the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities, Chai Lifeline restores normalcy to family life, and better enables families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness.
External link for Chai Lifeline
On Sunday, June 2, Chai Lifeline marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its New Jersey Center, set to open in September 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to enhancing support for children and their families confronting serious health challenges in New Jersey and beyond. Read more: https://lnkd.in/etpCNkyF
"The Jewish people must focus on remaining Jews despite the antisemites on campus and in the streets." -Rabbi Dr. David Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline's Crisis Services. https://lnkd.in/eBFJPrtk
Meet Tzvi, a joyful 10-year-old from Borough Park, NY, who has been battling a brain tumor since he was two. Throughout his journey, Chai Lifeline has been a constant source of support. Case managers Esther and Raizy have been alongside Tzvi's family from the beginning, offering emotional support, coordinating food deliveries during hospital stays, providing volunteers, and arranging transportation to medical appointments. Tzvi's family has enjoyed many Chai Lifeline activities, from holiday celebrations and i-Shine afterschool programs for his siblings, to weekend retreats for the entire family. A standout memory for Tzvi was a magical trip to Disney World with fellow Chai Lifeline friends at age five. Since he was three, Tzvi has attended Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline's flagship summer program for children with cancer and other serious medical conditions. Initially hesitant, Tzvi now eagerly counts down the days each year, thriving on the joy and camaraderie found there. He has also found friendship and community through Achim B'Yachad, Chai Lifeline's Chassidish division, participating in various programs and thriving in a supportive Yiddish-speaking environment. Reflecting on the impact of Chai Lifeline and Achim B'Yachad, Tzvi's mother said, "They think of everything and stop at nothing to support families like ours. Words can not express the magic they bring into our lives." Meet Tzvi, Chai Lifeline Warrior, at tinyurl.com/2r5ec3w9
Discover how Chai Lifeline's Creative Connections program is transforming the lives of kids with serious illnesses by pairing them with talented The Frisch School volunteers for virtual lessons in art, music, coding, and more. https://lnkd.in/eBtN-V6y
Thank you to the amazing committee (Rivka, Deborah, Jodi, and Lori), Efrat, Blimi, Batsheva, an incredible team of volunteers, and the entire Englewood community for a Shabbaton that delivered hope and joy. Visit our blog for more info! tinyurl.com/4rz44ck3
Meet Rivka, a vibrant and inspiring 17-year-old from Passaic, NJ. In 2021, a skiing accident left her with life-altering spinal cord damage. After a traumatic and lengthy hospital stay, Rivka learned she was paralyzed from the chest down. Facing a future filled with uncertainty, Rivka needed more than just medical care. She needed hope. That's where Chai Lifeline stepped in. Chai Lifeline ensured Rivka's entire family received comprehensive support as they navigated this difficult period. From coordinating volunteer visits, to keeping Rivka's siblings entertained with games and toys, to providing nourishing meals (and late night 7-Eleven snacks) throughout her grueling rehabilitation, Chai Lifeline offered a welcome sense of normalcy. The next summer, Rivka attended Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline's medically supervised summer program for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses, where she forged strong bonds with her counselors and peers. "As I wheeled into camp, I was greeted by people I had never met before, but for some reason, it felt like I knew them my whole life," said Rivka. "I came to realize that everything I was told about Camp Simcha was true…the energy, the excitement, the people, something about it feels a lot like home." Reflecting on her journey, Rivka adds, "When going through something so huge, having the comfort and knowledge that Chai Lifeline was there to help at any given moment made a world of difference." She believes that: "Things don't happen to you. They happen, so you understand that what you go through is necessary to get you to where you need to be. It is often the chaos in your life that shapes you as a person." Meet Rivka, Chai Lifeline Warrior, at tinyurl.com/yprak5sv
Simcha. Now More Than Ever. 🎵: Aryeh Kunstler #summer #camp #simcha #light #summervibes
Meet Boruch, a 13-year-old from Borough Park, Brooklyn, whose journey with cerebral palsy began at birth. When family friends suggested they connect with Chai Lifeline's Chassidish division, Achim B'Yachad, everything changed. With Yiddish-speaking professionals and volunteers providing culturally sensitive support, the family found a lifeline in hospitals and at uplifting programs. Since joining, Boruch's family has experienced an outpouring of support. From memorable Family Shabbatons to rejuvenating mother's retreats and festive holiday parties, every moment has been filled with love and care. Boruch himself has found joy at Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline's flagship summer program for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities, where his love for music and dancing to Jewish tunes is celebrated at every turn. Reflecting on their journey, Boruch's mother Mimi shares, "Chai Lifeline makes him feel like a million dollars while faced with his medical challenges." Boruch's resilience is continuously bolstered by the unwavering support from the Achim B'Yachad family, his friends at Camp Simcha, and the Chai Lifeline community. Meet Boruch, Chai Lifeline Warrior, at tinyurl.com/3e6v44su