Camp Simcha gives children the time of their lives

Chai Lifeline is a remarkable organization that provides crisis support and care for terminally ill children and those with severe long-term disabilities. Every summer, they host Camp Simcha, a two-week retreat where college students volunteer to take care of very sick children, providing 24/7 care, including tasks like changing feeding tubes. The goal is to give these children the time of their lives, filled with joy and happiness.

The camp is actual multiple camps, in New Jersey, California, Florida and New York, with campers coming from Canada, Europe, Australia, South America and from the entire United States.

To fundraise for this incredible initiative, Chai Lifeline organizes Bike4Chai, a two-day bike ride from the Poconos to the camp. This event features mega CEOs, famous athletes (Mike Richter, Amani Toomer, Tiki Barber and more), and celebrities who participate in the ride and then spend time with the children, dancing, singing, and spreading joy.

Recently, my friend's 8-year-old child passed away from leukemia. During his fight, Chai Lifeline did wonderful things for him-organizing visits from superstar athletes from the Florida Panthers and Kevin Durant, arranging a ride in a Ferrari, and much more. Their support meant the world to him and his family.

I thought it would be powerful to create a segment or heartwarming story featuring these courageous children, the business leader riders, and the volunteers who make Camp Simcha possible. It's a story that tugs at the heartstrings and showcases the incredible impact of Chai Lifeline.

They help these sick kids squeeze the most out of their shortened lives. I spoke with a counselor (they are college students who volunteer instead of pursuing an internship) and she said it is so impactful to connect and work with these children, and because of their deep connections she is crushed every time one of them passes. But she knows she was able to make a difference in their lives and can try to live with that.

Camp Simcha videos can be viewed at https://www.campsimcha.org/camp-in-action/videos/

Learn more about Camp simcha at campsimcha.org.