We are living in unprecedented times, suffering from a plague that no one could ever have imagined. Almost everyone knows of someone who was affected by COVID-19. Even for those who weren't directly affected have have had to quarantine and isolate themselves from their loved ones, as well as missing school and work.

One group who hasn't stopped working, no matter how they were affected, are the many staff members and volunteers of Chai Lifeline. Chai Lifeline cares for children with cancer and chronic illness and their families, providing support in so many ways. Over the past weeks, they have also helped counsel many families with children that have lost a parent or have a parent who is critically ill due to COVID-19. Their work hasn't stopped because he need for their services hasn't stopped.

Chai Lifeline’s flagship programs, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, offer 430 children a chance to forget about illness and just be kids again. Camp is an oasis of fun, of joy, and of peace for children experiencing dark and turbulent times. We don't know if Camp Simcha will open as usual this summer, or if the program will be limited due to COVID-19, but the need for funding continues. I do know that Chai Lifeline will do their best to make this a memorable summer for the kids of Camp Simcha and Simcha Special.

Bike4Chai is a 2 day, 185 mile bike ride raising money for Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha. In fact, it is their biggest fundraiser, providing over 30% of their yearly budget. Typically, Bike4Chai is a major event, celebrating the accomplishment with the 500+ riders who have raised these funds. We don't know what Bike4Chai will look like this year, but it will definitely be different than in the past due to COVID-19. But all the riders know that the main reason we ride is to raise the funds necessary for Chail Lifeline to continue their work. My objective is to raise $10,000 by then, and I hope you will help me reach this goal. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. Please contribute by clicking on the donate button now.

To learn more about Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha special, visit campsimcha.org.

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

Best Regards,

Yakov

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