Chai Lifeline

Dear Friends,

For several years we have had the privilege to be staff on Camp Simcha, the residential camp of Chai Lifeline. Camp gives kids with life-threatening conditions the summer of their lives in a happy, joyous and safe environment, a break from the stress of their daily lives. Staff become intimately involved in caring for all their campers’ physical and emotional needs. What people often do not realize is that, in addition to the many health issues campers may have, they may also suffer from many other problems at home that can be exacerbated by poor health. 

Jake**, 16 years old, has been our camper for many years and suffers from a rare form of cerebral palsy (CP). CP prevents a child from controlling their muscles and results in poor walking, spastic muscles, difficulty speaking, uncontrollable drooling and many other side effects (however all mental functions remain intact). This makes all aspects of life for a teen living with CP extremely difficult. Jake is a beautiful kid and a real mensch - he is the first to offer assistance, cheer someone up or support a friend in need - all whilst totally ignoring his own very burdensome challenges. Life at home for Jake is extremely difficult, but you will never see Jake complain - he is always smiling, always laughing, always looking to bring happiness, provide support and give to others in whatever way he can. Sadly, Jake does not receive adequate care for his condition because of the financial constraints on the family. Living out of town in a small community, their friends and family cannot support them sufficiently which means conditions at home are poor and the family struggle to pay even simple grocery bills, let alone purchase new clothing or cover expensive medical bills. 

Jake always puts others before himself and we believe that it is time he and his family live the lives they deserve, with dignity, respect and high quality care for Jake.

We are looking to raise $10,000 to cover clothing, shoes, groceries, physiotherapy and medical equipment, tuition, transportation and other needs to alleviate the financial burden on the family. We have very carefully calculated the costs involved, coordinating all payments and will ensure all donations are maximized to ensure the greatest benefit to Jake and his family. 

Please support us in changing this deserving kid and his family's lives for the better.

With love,
Jake's counselors and staff

**Jake's name has been changed for confidentiality reasons
*** the funds will be withdrawn by Rabbi Abraham Cohen, Executive Director of Chai Lifeline

Dear Friends,

For several years we have had the privilege to be staff on Camp Simcha, the residential camp of Chai Lifeline. Camp gives kids with life-threatening conditions the summer of their lives in a happy, joyous and safe environment, a break from the stress of their daily lives. Staff become intimately involved in caring for all their campers’ physical and emotional needs. What people often do not realize is that, in addition to the many health issues campers may have, they may also suffer from many other problems at home that can be exacerbated by poor health.

Jake**, 16 years old, has been our camper for many years and suffers from a rare form of cerebral palsy (CP). CP prevents a child from controlling their muscles and results in poor walking, spastic muscles, difficulty speaking, uncontrollable drooling and many other side effects (however all mental functions remain intact). This makes all aspects of life for a teen living with CP extremely difficult. Jake is a beautiful kid and a real mensch - he is the first to offer assistance, cheer someone up or support a friend in need - all whilst totally ignoring his own very burdensome challenges. But life at home for Jake is extremely difficult. Although both his parents work multiple jobs, they struggle to make ends meet. This means that Jake has no choice but to wear soiled or drool-soaked clothing because they cannot afford to purchase new clothes and have no time to regularly do laundry. Because Jake must wear therapeutic orthotics for his legs, he is constantly wearing-away the battered and torn shoes he receives from Goodwill. Despite his challenges, Jake recently decided to take on a part time job in order to support his family. Jake sadly does not receive adequate care for his condition because of the financial constraints on the family. Living out of town in a small community, their friends and family cannot support them sufficiently.

For the past few years several counselors have got together to purchase him clothes for the year ahead - however this year we want to do more. Jake always puts others before himself and we believe that it is time he and his family live the lives they deserve, with dignity, respect and high quality care for Jake.

We are looking to raise $10,000 to cover clothing, shoes, groceries, physiotherapy and medical equipment, tuition and other needs to alleviate the financial burden on the family. We have very carefully calculated the costs involved, co-ordinating all payments and will ensure all donations are maximised to ensure the greatest benefit to Jake and his family.

Please support us in changing this deserving kid and his family's lives for the better.

With love,
Jake's counselors and staff

**Jake's name has been changed for confidentiality reasons
*** the funds will be withdrawn by Rabbi Abraham Cohen, Executive Director of Chai Lifeline

On March 29, 2018 our Hebrew School student Jagger Joseph lost his beloved mom Revital Joseph. Revi was a passionate, strong woman, and a force to be reckoned with. Her loving, generous soul and feisty spirit allowed her to touch countless people in her short life, and the legacy she has left behind is palpable and very much alive.

Jagger's classmates gathered together and discussed what could be done in honor of Jagger, and in memory of his beloved mom. Jagger's dad Valery has told us that Revi very strongly supported the mission of Chai Lifeline, which provides comprehensive programs and services to help families cope with pediatric cancer, illness, loss or trauma. Our students are now fundraising so that at our Hebrew School end of year celebration on June 12, we can present Jagger's family with a donation in loving memory of his mom, may her memory be a blessing. 

We very much appreciate anything you can contribute towards reaching our goal, thank you so much in advance for your support!