There is a first for everything!

This year is my first year riding for Bike4Chai, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the amazing organization Chai Lifeline. It's also a first in Bike4Chai history in that details are being finalized for the event in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. What was supposed to be a two day 180 mile event concluding with a group ride into the famous Camp Simcha, is now a one day 80, 100, or 120 mile event in an effort to keep with social distancing policies and to keep riders and campers safe. I will be attempting the 120 mile track.

However, COVID-19 is not the only thing making this ride extraordinary. This event is an exhilarating cycling event and fundraiser ending at Camp Simcha, an unbelievable, one of a kind overnight camp that provides seriously ill children with a vacation from sickness, restoring their spirits and renewing their determination to fight, hopefully allowing them to experience many more "firsts" as well.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I know first hand that life for a child with cancer or other serious illnesses, is grueling; Chai Lifeline’s unique programs, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, offer 430 children a chance to forget about their illness, and just be kids again. Camp is an escape from the trials of these children's everyday lives. It's an oasis of fun, of joy, and of peace for children experiencing dark and turbulent times. There is no guarantee that camp is happening this year as I write this, as this population - as you can imagine - is highly susceptible to illness. However, this ride is for Chai Lifeline at large and extremely important to be able to continue the amazing, important and lifechanging work they perform 24/7/365.

For example, during just this COVID-19 crisis thus far, Chai Lifeline has provided essential services to over 3,625 children with serious illness. Additionally, they have provided 18,444 meals to children and their families during these difficult times. A single Chai Lifeline volunteer donated his time, and entire day, to provide rides to a grieving father as he left the side of his sick son in a hospital, to attend the funeral of his father dozens of miles away, and then bring him back to his son, all in one day. Even hospitals recognize Chai Lifeline's importance by allowing in volunteers to help a grieving family in the midst of a recent loss, at a time that nearly everybody is banned from visiting the hospital, including family themselves.

Chai Lifeline has been there for literally thousands of families for support, advocacy, counseling, case management, and dozens of other services for families who need support during their worst nightmares.

My objective is to raise a minimum of $7,500 by the start of this ride in mid-August. I would be greatly honored if you could partner with me and show your support to these children by clicking the donate button and helping in any way possible.

I realize this is a big ask, and it's only compounded by the current financial situation many find themselves in, but the rewards, happiness and show of support to these children and their families, specifically in these times, is invaluable, allows services to continue and literally saves lives.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

I've started training and donated to this cause myself.Thank you for supporting me as I take on one of the biggest challenges I've ever done, and in doing so, helping children and their families cope with the diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath of serious pediatric illness in these uncertain and scary times.

Best Regards,

Craig

 PS. For more information regarding this ride please visit bike4chai.org. To learn more about Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha special, visit campsimcha.org.