Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share that I will be participating in the annual Tour de Simcha bike ride with my sister. Tour de Simcha is a fundraiser for Chai Lifeline, an organization that helps families who have members diagnosed with medical issues.

Everyone wants to help their community, change the world, or leave their mark. Everyone wants to feel like they matter. I want to share a very personal first-hand perspective of what Chai Lifeline did for my family and how people like you made that possible.

From just a few months old one of my siblings was diagnosed with a very severe medical condition. At the time, the technology was just not good enough, the research was not as developed as it is today and along with a couple other variables. It led my parents to being in and out of the hospital for many years. My parents were constantly busy with the doctors, , work, and the other four young children at home. It was obviously hard for everyone involved. One day there was a box that appeared on our doorstep. It was quite large and heavy. We brought it inside and quickly tore the box open. The contents of the box were spilled and out came dolls, cars, coloring books, games, stuffed animals, along with so much more. I remember asking who sent this and the answer I received was Chai Lifeline. This is the first time I remember hearing of this organization. Then more boxes came with non-perishable foods and microwavable meals. Soon followed invitations to Chanukah parties, a weekend retreat, Camp Simcha and get togethers for families all over different communities. We then begin to accept these invitations and now that sibling is completing their 10th year in camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline's summer program.

Camp Simcha's goal is to make every camper feel special. To feel comfortable and be able to have an extraordinary camp experience. This is a place where their mission is to make every moment count and they succeed every single time.
Chai Lifeline is more than just an organization that helps sick children, they also take into account everyone in the family and what they would appreciate. They see how they can help the family with all their different needs while the parents are overwhelmed from juggling everything in their life.

Going back to the idea that everyone wants to help and make a difference, it's understood that not everybody can be on the front lines. Not everyone can be a counselor in camp or putting together a personalized package or even being behind the scenes. However, you can make that difference by supporting and donating to this cause. You could make the difference in the life of a 10-year-old cancer patient by giving her the opportunity to go to camp and meet new people. You can help those 8-year-olds that have been paralyzed go on a zipline and be able to swim because all these things are made possible. You can make the difference right now by donating any amount. Every dollar counts. Every dollar is put towards everything I mentioned and so much more. This is just my experience. There are hundreds, even thousands of other stories that can say how they've been impacted. Just ask around.

My sister and I would like to raise a combined amount of $6,000. It's so easy, a click of a button and you have now made that difference. Everyone has needed help at one point in time but imagine if you could be that person that fixes that problem. Even a small donation of $18 could be the missing amount for the Chanukah party or the last present in a box being sent to a child with cancer. Think about it and then please click the link