PHOTOS: Chai Lifeline Goes To Dorney Park

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

What’s clad in orange and wearing a big smile? If you were at Dorney Park during Sukkos, it had to be Chai Lifeline’s children, their families and scores of volunteers who made the day so special.

A thousand members of the greater New York and New Jersey regions enjoyed a fun-filled day at the park, complete with rides, attractions, and of course, lots of fun. The excursion provided parents a much-appreciated opportunity to get together while the kids got a chance to re-connect with their treasured friends from Camp Simcha. Brothers and sisters joined in the festivities, enjoying a special day with a sibling who is too often confined because of illness.

“Everybody was glowing,” commented director of volunteer services Faige Yudkovsky. “So many people commented on how much they look forward to this trip every year!”

Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president, reflected on the annual trip’s impact. “Too often, living with illness means giving up experiences that bring families closer together or enable people to find support from friends and peers. When we see children steering their friends’ wheelchairs or hear parents trading tips and information, we know that this “medicine for the soul” works.

The Dorney Park family trip was one of several Chai Lifeline special events and activities held around the world this chol hamoed. For information on other activities, email [email protected].

Chai Lifeline gives children, families and communities the tools they need to cope with the crises and challenges of life-threatening illness, disabilities, and chronic disease. For information or assistance, call 877 CHAI-LIFE.