What a few months it's been and we're still not out of the woods. Thankfully, we and our extended family are healthy and safe and I hope you and your families are as well. While I have not been training extensively, I have finally begun to get out and ride. However, my son, Meshulam, will be doing the event ride in my place since my doctor has advised me to avoid crowds. All the same, I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Chai Lifeline.

First the world seemed to come to a full stop. Then it seemed to have gone totally crazy. As difficult as that has been for most of us, we’ve all been trying to muddle through. But for the families of the vulnerable children of Chai Lifeline, it’s infinitely worse. They’re worrying about a child with serious illness, an elevated danger from COVID-19, tremendous financial pressure, a medical system that they need for their critically ill child that has gone totally haywire and the desperately needed stability that they try to create for the rest of the family that is totally shattered. In all this chaos, there’s one constant. Chai Lifeline!

Chai Lifeline is not only about the summer. Chai Lifeline is a year-round organization that is there for children and families facing illness. It’s an organization that never stops giving and never stops doing! Chai Lifeline has helped 3600+ children during this crisis! They have delivered 20,000+ meals to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, counseling, insurance advocacy, personal protective equipment for immunocompromised families, and care packages and virtual programming for quarantined children! They just keep on doing and doing and doing!

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While Bike4Chai began as a way to help with summer camp, it grew to be one third of the Chai Lifeline annual budget. Without Bike4Chai, Chai Lifeline and all their work would be in jeopardy. This year’s event will be a one day loop ride with no hotel stay, no parties and no visit to camp. All state regulations and CDC guidelines will be followed to protect the riders and volunteers.

While Meshulam will be taking my place on the ride, I can’t just sit on the sidelines. Chai Lifeline needs us now more than ever. We were there during the fun times and enjoyed the ride and the parties. Now I feel compelled to be there purely for the children and the families. And I need YOUR help!! Chai Lifeline needs your help!! The children need your help now more than ever!! I’m BEGGING, for your help!! PLEASE OPEN YOUR HEARTS AND WALLETS AND HELP ME HELP THESE MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN!!!

Thank you for supporting me, and in doing so, helping children and their families cope with the diagnosis, treatment, and the aftermath of serious pediatric illness.

All the best,
Mayer

PS. For more information regarding this ride please visit bike4chai.org