[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Purim came early to thousands of children with cancer and other serious illnesses, thanks to Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network. Thousands across the globe celebrated with music, dance, carnivals, and of course, lots of sweet treats and most important, the chance to celebrate with their extended Chai Lifeline family.

“Living with serious pediatric illness can make it all too easy to let the simcha of Purim pass by,” explained Rabbi Simcha Scholar, executive vice president. “Chai Lifeline reminds families battling pediatric illness that there are still joyful memories to be made, with over-the-top events to help them celebrate Purim in big style.”

Purim Comes Early for sick children across the USA

In New York…

More than 500 children, families, counselors, and volunteers ushered in the holiday with a grand carnival at the Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn. They enjoyed exciting rides, face painting, delicious food, a thrilling costume contest, and all kinds of fun and games. This year, Camp Simcha’s growing group of active counselor alumni outdid themselves with board game-booths and crazy costumes. There was even an astounding basketball magic show, stunning acrobatic performances, professional clowns, and spectacular bounce houses to take everyone’s breath away.

New Jersey families had two options for Purim fun…

The New Jersey region’s Kidz Konnect Sibs program children joined with hosts Mayer and Chaya Rivka Fischl for an exuberant melava malka in early March. Held at Yeshiva Ketana Hall in Lakewood, the fun event featured a great magic show by Tom D., and exuberant music and dancing led by Michoel Pruzansky and Ari Bauman. Another 500 family members and region volunteers combined the fun of Purim and the magic of Chai Lifeline at the region’s Purim celebration at Ateres Reva Hall in Lakewood. World-famous mentalist David Blatt joined Uncle Moishy and Michoel Pruzansky for an exhilarating show and carnival that will not soon be forgotten.

“The kids look forward to this party all year,” said Rochel Mendlowitz, Chai Lifeline New Jersey’s director of events. “And this year’s was even bigger and better, and very magical!”

Moving down the east coast…

Baltimore families got ready for Purim with a massive carnival at Red Zone Adventures on March 5^th. Over 120 people delighted in “Family Fun Night” with Ultimate Laser tag, a deluxe game room, a full light space floor, and a mind-boggling laser maze. In sunny Miami, March 9^th was the big day for “Purim Fest” at Miami KSpace. Families made their own mishloach manos packages and masks and enjoyed a fabulous pizza party. “Everyone had a great time,” said Esther Fettman, Chai Lifeline Southeast’s director of special events and volunteer services. “Parents could not stop talking about how thrilled they were.”

The West Coast Region…

March 9^th was also a big day for Chai Lifeline families in Los Angeles, where about 170 people attended a Purim “Candy Fantasy”-themed carnival. From booths to face painting to hitting the wicked Haman with wet sponges, the fun was never-ending. LA families also enjoyed an exciting juggling show as well as a video “green screen” where every family got to make their own personalized, custom Purim video!

One Chai Lifeline parent marveled, “Until I saw my children’s reactions last night, I did not realize how much ‘fun’ has been sidelined lately. This event filled a need we didn’t even recognize was there. Thank you so much!”

A Circus in the Midwest…

Chai Lifeline families in the greater Chicago area found a circus filled with entertainment and enjoyment at the Jennifer Levin Kaplan Family Purim party at the Bernard Horwich JCC. Workshops taught children different big-top tricks like clown makeup and face-painting. The Azamara Orchestra kept the kids dancing and dinner from The Sandwich Club made sure their bellies were filled.

Chai Lifeline’s international affiliates welcome Purim

Toronto carnival sizzles…

Purim came early in Toronto, when over 320 people in festive and colorful costume joined Chai Lifeline Canada for a crazy carnival. Parents and children enjoyed the game booths, large inflatable bounce houses, and every kid’s first choice, the rides. The Polished Girlz stopped by to paint the nails of all young girls, much to their delight. There was also a barbeque station, fresh popcorn and cotton candy machines and sno-cones to satisfy both hunger and sweet tooth.

Carnival Bus comes to London…

Once again, Camp Simcha UK, Chai Lifeline’s affiliate in Great Britain, brought a carnival bus to Golders Green in London. Children there enjoyed games, fun, gifts and treats. Chai Lifeline families also celebrated with a fun day trip to the London Sealife Aquarium. Chai Lifeliners in Manchester enjoyed an immense Purim “street rally” with lots of delicious foods, stirring drumming, live music and African acrobats to fill the streets with the electricity of the holiday. Across the pond, Chai Lifeline families in Antwerp also relished a fabulous street carnival that had it all: yummy food, clowns, live music and entertainment.

Chaiyanu Israel Pulls Out All the Stops…

Over 200 patients, parents and volunteers were thrilled to attend a major, over-the-top Purim costume party at the famous Globus Max Cinemas in Modi’in. Generously sponsored by Yoram Globus and Bennet Kaplan, revelers were treated to a brilliant evening filled with spectacular performers in full costume, an elaborate and dazzling magic show, a magnificent animated movie experience accompanied by a sumptuous dinner, and unlimited pizza, cakes, candy displays, and ice cream. Every family received beautiful mishloach manot packages and elegant wines donated by Chevron Heights Winery.

Chaiyanu families also appreciated a very special trip dedicated for prayers at Chevron for full recovery for all the children of Chaiyanu. The day included a tour of the Chevron Heights Winery and a sumptuous meal at the guest house.

Chaiyanu volunteers brought the holiday to Hadassah Hospital when they staged a special Purim party for patients.  There were balloons, gifts, and of course, Purim treats. Children relished the wonderful French waffle bar generously donated by Froyo Har Nof.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)