Not even the heat and humidity could diminish the energy and excitement that was in the air as 126 bicycle riders rode 9,072 cumulative miles this week as part of the 4th annual Tour de Simcha and raised over a half-million dollars to benefit children with cancer.

Tour de Simcha, a unique all-female cycling event attracts cyclists of varying skill levels, who commit to train and raise money to help young cancer patients, is a project of Chai Lifeline, which is an international children’s health support organization that enables very sick children, their families and communities to cope with the crises and long term emotional, social, and financial challenges of pediatric illness or loss.

The 72-mile bicycle ride raises funds to give children with cancer or other serious illnesses the summer of a lifetime at Camp Simcha, which is an overnight camp for children and teens with cancer and other hematologic illnesses.

After enjoying a special program and festive pre-ride pasta party on the evening of July 6, the riders excitedly lined up at the starting line at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake in Northern New Jersey in the early morning hours of July 7.

As the temperature soared into the 80’s, the riders, who ranged in age from 11-64 and who hailed from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Virginia, Baltimore, and Montreal, made the long ride to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, New York, where they ultimately crossed the “world’s greatest finish line” and celebrated with the children of Camp Simcha. The honorary captain for this year’s ride was Arianna of St. Louis, Missouri, a 9-year-old girl with cancer who spent several years as a camper at Camp Simcha.

“Tour de Simcha is a physically challenging philanthropic endeavor that empowers the participants to engage in an extraordinary act of tzedakah (charity) and chesed (kindness) that benefits children who are battling cancer,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s Executive Vice President. “This is a truly magical and inspirational event that brings a smile to the faces of each of the brave heroes who are campers at Camp Simcha.”

There are a multitude of inspiring stories involving riders in this year’s Tour de Simcha. For example, Leslie Morrison, whose 9-year-old son attends Camp Simcha, raised over $10,000 for this year’s ride. After not having ridden a bike for a number of years, Leslie decided last year that she wanted to give back to Chai Lifeline, an organization that has helped her son and her family get through some very challenging times.

“As I rode up, I could hear the cheering before I even saw the camp,” said L.A. from New York City. “Within seconds of reaching the camp I was off my bike and dancing with the campers and staff. As I danced with one camper, she took her hands out of mine and next thing I knew her arms were wrapped around my waist in a big hug. And I’ll admit, I did more than tear up.”

“The rain doesn’t even bother me,” said T.K. from Jamaica Estates, NY. “I know [when it’s raining] G-d is crying because of all these sick kids. The rain always stops in time for us to ride into Camp Simcha, because of the joy we bring in with us.”

“Every year my camper asks me when Tour de Simcha will be riding into camp,” said M.H. of Queens, NY, who is a counselor at Camp Simcha. “It is by far her favorite day of Camp Simcha.”

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)