Chai Lifeline

History

Scholar's initial guidance was from Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, and the focus was Jewish pediatric cancer patients in the New York City area. By 1990, they had offices in Florida and Jerusalem, with another planned for California.{{cite web |website=The New York Times

Subsequent expansion included services to other major Jewish areas such as Baltimore{{cite news |newspaper=Baltimore Jewish Life and the West Coast.{{cite web |date=November 9, 2018

Their Los Angeles office was described as "provides services to ... families of all Jewish denominations" and "depends on foundation and individual donations."{{cite news

Mission Expansion

Yeshiva University hosted the first university-based Shabbaton to give exposure and training for Chai Lifeline college-age volunteers, under a Fighting Illness With Love banner.{{cite web

By 2012, small scale Chai Lifeline groups had begun in UK and Belgium, with support from the New York-based main office's professionals.{{cite web

Services

While not all services were available in all locations as of 2015, some of the programs offered by a blend of professionals and volunteers are:

• i-Shine: an after-school program for "support to siblings of sick children, children living with an ill parent, and those living with untimely loss in their homes"{{cite web

Camp Simcha

Camp Simcha that offers children with cancer a chance to enjoy traditional camp activities.

Besides mini-golf, arts & crafts workshops, modified sports, color war, and talent shows there are helicopter rides and concerts. An innovative swimming pool ramp and water-submersible wheelchairs enables more children to enjoy swimming. They have a motorboat, paddle and bumper boats, and a pontoon boat capable of holding an entire bunk, including wheelchair-dependent children.

The camp program is directed by Dr. Peter Steinherz{{cite web

Camp Simcha Special

Camp Simcha Special was created in 2001 to meet the medical and social needs of children and teens with disabilities, chronic diseases, or genetic diseases. Located on the same campus as Camp Simcha. The program is directed by Dr. Robert van Amerongen with a staff of pediatric specialists, nurses, EMTs, social workers and physical therapists.

About

Chai Lifeline trains volunteers.{{cite web

Project C.H.A.I. Crisis Intervention program ensures that children, their parents, teachers, clergy and communities can properly deal with traumatic events, often partnering with organizations such as Jewish Family & Children's Service of Arizona's Aleinu program and Misaskim. Chai Lifeline is funded by Jewish philanthropists and other fundraising receptions. They also receive government funding and grants.

Hospital and home-based services

Advocacy and Case Management – a team of case managers that offer emotional support and information. Insurance Support Service – Providing general information including: explaining insurance coverage and helping to complete reimbursement applications. Meal Support – Providing meals to hospitalized patients and their families, many times also supplying food for families with a sick child when cooking is impossible. Transportation Services – Transportation to and from medical centers and doctors’ appointments. Chai House – A house located in the close proximity of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to accommodate family spending periods of time in the hospital.

Counseling

Chailine Telephone Support Groups – Parents of children with similar prognosis discuss their situations offering support via conference calls facilitated by professional therapists.

Healing Hearts Bereavement Program – Annual weekend retreats and counseling where parents who lost a beloved child are comforted.

Chai Family Centers – Community-based counseling centers help children and parents cope with the impact of illness on their lives.

Short-term counseling – Transient advice for ill children, their parents and/or siblings is available through regional offices.{{cite web |website=JmoreLiving.com

ChaiNet – A community by and for Chai Lifeline families, Chai Net allows parents to exchange information and support one another in their battles against pediatric illness. Partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Chai Lifeline provides counseling for Jewish women with breast cancer.

Educational assistance

ChaiLink – Webcam connections that link hospitalized or recuperating children to classrooms, teachers, and friends, and loans of laptop computers loaded with educational software.

Homebound Educational Learning Program – A tutoring program that enable hospitalized or recuperating children to keep up with their schoolwork.

Crisis intervention and bereavement services

The New York Times{{cite news and Director of bereavement and intervention services Dr. Norman Blumenthal's made-for-parents video, created after the Murder of Leiby Kletzky in New York.

Helping when the focus was beyond children with illnesses included after:

• the India 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Chabad House
• Hurricane Sandy's devastations on the East Coast in 2012.
• The 2018 Pittsburgh shooting{{cite news |newspaper=The Jewish Press

Trained volunteers offer emotional and professional support.{{cite web

Trips and vacations

Chai Lifeline arranges trips for children who spend their days in and out of the hospital. Trips involve sporting events, shows, and special trip such as

• a trip to the Super Bowl.{{cite news |access-date=2012-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206140021/http://www.jewishjournal.com/sports/article/chai_lifeline_to_send_12-year-old_to_the_super_bowl_20110204/ |archive-date=2011-02-06 |url-status=dead
• Orlando Trip – Sponsored by the Ohr Meir foundation, children spend four magical days at Florida's Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks.
• Wish at the Wall – Provides a 10-day trip to Israel for teens along with one parent each; alternating years between a group of teenage cancer survivors and teens who have learned to manage complex chronic illness. In addition, a family center at their Camp Simcha campus is available to families in need of respite when camp is not in session.

Fundraising programs

Chai Lifeline is a New York City volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that primarily works with children battling cancer.

Fundraising programs include

• Team Lifeline,
• Team Lifeline Israel,
• Bike4Chai,{{cite news |website=Yeshivaworld
• Tour de Simcha,
• Go Mitzvah,
• Kids4Chai.

Events include

• Marathons{{cite news |newspaper=The Jewish Star
• Walk-a-thons
• Bowl-a-thons
• Cycling events{{cite magazine |magazine=Community Magazine |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120022938/http://www.communitym.com/article.asp?article_id=101832&article_type=0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-20
• and other kid friendly activities.{{cite web

Affiliates

Chai Lifeline International is an affiliate. One of its programs is named Chaiuanu, and it provides services in Israel.{{cite news

References

References

1. degrees among various articles include MD, MSW, LSW
2. is a {{convert. 125. acre. km2. Glen Spey, New York]][http://sdjewishjournal.com/site/2929/special-camps-for-special-kids/ San Diego Jewish Journal: Special Camps for Special Kids]
3. [http://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/Summer-in-Camp-Simcha-Special,1015?content_source=&category_id=25&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=most_commented&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id= The Jewish Star: Summer in Camp Simcha Special ]
4. [https://archive.today/20130127014416/http://www.jewishpressads.com/pageroute.do/45111/ The Jewish Press: Camp Simcha Special Changes A Family's Life]
5. [http://www.jewishaz.com/issues/story.mv?111202+crisis Jewish News of Greater Phoenix: JFCS forms crisis response team] {{webarchive. link. (June 9, 2012)
6. [http://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/Quick-action-averted-cremation,18?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=misaskim&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id= The Jewish Star: Quick action averted cremation]
7. [http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=35242 The Yeshiva World PHOTOS: Misaskim Hosts Important Meeting Between NYPD Brass & Many Bais Yaakov Administrators]
8. [http://carrollgardens.patch.com/articles/keep-the-money-flowing-in Carol Gardens Patch: Keep the Money Flowing In!]
9. [https://archive.today/20120712224720/http://lincolnshire.suntimes.com/lifestyles/trend/9309248-423/chai-lifelines-caliente-a-hot-night-for-a-cool-cause.html Lincolnshire Review: Chai Lifeline’s “Caliente: A Hot Night for a Cool Cause”]
10. [https://archive.today/20120904012051/http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1055494--ex-nhl-players-hit-ice-for-sick-children InsideToronto.com: Ex-NHL players hit ice for sick children]
11. [http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=37298 The Yeshiva World: Chai Lifeline Lakewood 10th Anniversary Reception]
12. [http://www.socialmiami.com/articles/Make-A-Difference-Gala.asp Social Miami: Make-A-Difference Gala Benefits Chai Lifeline Southeast] {{webarchive. link. (April 2, 2015)
13. [http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=36084 The Yeshiva World City Council Delivers Over $5 Million Of ‘Kosher Pork’ « » Frum Jewish News]
14. [https://archive.today/20120918071505/http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/20118/ Jewish Exponent: When in Dire Straits, a Group Offers a Hand]
15. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLRmSCi5wg YouTube – 2010 30 Second Public Service Announcement]
16. "Crisis Counselors Helping NYC Hasidic Community Cope With Leiby Kletzky's Murder".
17. [http://www.vosizneias.com/116627/2012/11/05/new-york-chai-lifeline-achiezer-open-crisis-hoteline-for-five-townsrockaway/ Vos Iz Neias: New York - Chai Lifeline, Achiezer Open Crisis Hotline For Five Towns/Rockaway.]
18. [http://5tjt.com/?p=14577 The Five Towns Jewish Times: Home Is Where The Heart Is]
19. [https://archive.today/20120909205204/http://www.ocjewishlife.com/site/super-mitzvah/ Orange County Jewish Life: Super Mitzvah]
20. [https://archive.today/20120714220605/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/changetheworld/2011/12/children-with-cancer-get-magical-trip-to-orlando.html Orlando Sentinel: Children with cancer get magical trip to Orlando]
21. [http://www.5tjt.com/local-news/12686-fantasy-becomes-reality-for-kids-with-cancer 5 Towns Jewish Times: Fantasy Becomes Reality For Kids With Cancer]{{dead link. (November 2016)
22. [http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/december/353661/%E2%80%98Magical%E2%80%99-trip-for-children-battling-cancer Central Florida News 13: A magical trip for kids battling cancer] {{webarchive. link. (December 6, 2011)
23. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/02/23/israel-trip-challenges-inspires-teens-with-disabilities/ Chicago Tribune: Israel trip challenges, inspires teens with disabilities]
24. [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/24/israel-trips-for-jewish-y_n_813314.html Huffington Post: Israel Trips For Jewish Youths Expand, Including For Disabled Teens]
25. [http://www.skywordswithelal.com/2011/02/a-trip-of-a-lifetime-for-a-group-of-chronically-ill-teens/ Skywords with El Al: A Trip of a Lifetime for a Group of Chronically Ill Teens] {{webarchive. link. (February 22, 2014)
26. [http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/135900 Israel National News: Teenage Cancer Survivors on Thanksgiving Trip to Israel]
27. [http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=48462 The Yeshiva World: Leading Rabbonim Offer Brochos to Chai Lifeline’s Children During Their Wish At The Wall Trip]
28. [http://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2011/11/chai-lifeline-nj-kicks-off-volunteer-recruitment.html The Lakewood Scoop: Chai Lifeline NJ Kicks Off Volunteer Recruitment]
29. [http://www.taxexemptworld.com/organizations/new_york_ny_10001.asp New York NY 10001- Tax Exempt Organizations and 10001 New York New York Non Profit Organizations]
30. [http://www.teamlifeline.org Team Lifeline Website]
31. [http://www.teamlifelineisrael.org Team Lifeline Israel Website]{{dead link. (November 2016)
32. [http://www.bike4chai.org Bike4Chai Website]
33. [https://www.tourdesimcha.org Tour de Simcha Website]
34. [http://gomitzvah.org Go Mitzvah Website]
35. "Kids4Chai Website".
36. [http://www.jewishreview.org/local/Little-campers-raise-big-money-for-ill-kids Jewish Review: Little campers raise big money for ill kids]
37. [https://archive.today/20120730213039/http://www.chabadrm.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1430245/jewish/Chai-Kids-Bowlathon.htm Chabad Rancho Mirage: Chai Kids Bowlathon]