You may already know that I’m training to run the Women’s Race 2026 this January. I had the privilege of participating in this race last year, and it was truly one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Running side by side with the children of Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline—kids battling unimaginable illnesses, yet still smiling—changed me forever.
This year, I’m running again to raise money for Chaiyanu/Chai Lifeline Israel, an incredible organization dedicated to supporting very sick children and their families. Although I’m committed to giving this race everything I’ve got, I know I can’t do it alone. I need your help.
Chaiyanu provides year-round emotional, social, and financial support to more than 400 children and their families. Their programs restore joy and hope, helping families navigate the overwhelming challenges of illness while still living full and meaningful lives. Two of their best-known programs are Camp Simcha and the Hope Tour—life-changing experiences that give over 100 children each year the chance to forget about illness and just be kids again.
For the past two summers, I’ve had the zechus to work at Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special. This past year, I had the privilege of being assigned a camper—where I was able to give my whole self to her needs and her joy. Camp Simcha is the only place where she can do anything she sets her mind to—whether that’s flying down a zip line, entering a pool using a ramp and special waterproof wheelchair, or participating in activities the outside world simply isn’t built to make accessible. This world may not be designed for children with disabilities, but Camp Simcha is.
In addition to working directly with campers, I was also part of the Big Sister program, where I had the privilege of taking out a sibling of a child battling cancer. Giving her an outlet, joy, and attention—especially at a time when so much of her parents’ focus needed to be on their sick child—was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me that illness affects the whole family, and Chai Lifeline is there for every single one of them.
Camp Simcha and Chai Lifeline also give parents something priceless: the chance to breathe and to give attention to their other children at home, knowing that their sick child is having the time of their life at camp under the care of top doctors and medical staff who ensure every camper stays safe and healthy.
And beyond the camps, Chai Lifeline supports families in moments of crisis in ways most people never see. One of the most meaningful experiences I had this year was staying overnight in the ICU with a critically ill child so the parents could go home and care for their other children—knowing that a trusted Chai Lifeline volunteer was by their sick child’s side. That’s what Chai Lifeline does: they step in so families can breathe, rest, and simply be human again. Their respite programs are a lifeline.
Although I gave so much this summer, I gained even more. If you want a deeper look into what Chaiyanu does for families every single day, please take a moment to watch the videos below. I know they’ll touch your heart the way they touched mine.
Training for this race isn’t easy—but neither is facing illness. If the children of Chaiyanu can fight through treatments, hospital stays, and pain with unimaginable strength, then I can certainly push myself to run for them. But I can’t do it without your support.
I’m asking you to help me raise as much money as possible for these kids. Please, click the donate button and help bring smiles, hope, and strength to children who need it most.
Let’s do this together. Let’s make dreams come true!!!