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To the casual observer, the fifty families enjoying Shabbos at the beautiful Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park could have at a weekend simcha. There was laughter and conversation, the happy noise of children engaged in any number of activities, and décor and decoration reminiscent of the most up-to-date events. It was only when one looked closely and saw children with the telltale signs of illness, wheelchairs, feeding tubes, and bald heads, that it became evident that this was Chai Lifeline’s Annual LH Financial Winter Retreat.

“This is a weekend that people wait for all year,” remarked Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s executive vice president. “The combination of chizuk, information, peer and professional support, and relaxation is designed to infuse families with energy to forge ahead and the tools to sustain themselves through the long years of illness and recovery.”

Chai Lifeline’s professional staff had seen to every detail. Families arrived to find boxes of Shabbos snacks and gifts for their children in their rooms. Friday’s program included a full day of activities for children, allowing parents to focus on the coming Shabbos and the full day ahead of them. The already handsome hotel was decorated with elan.

But it was Shabbos itself that made the difference. The weekend was graced with the presence of Rav Elya Brudny, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir, whose erudition, wisdom, and compassion touched everyone’s hearts. The Rosh Yeshiva spoke twice during Shabbos and gave his personal counsel to many of the families.

In addition to the Rosh Yeshiva, the program featured noted psychologist Dr. David Pelcovitz. Dr. Pelcovitz, who has been the events’ psychologist in residence since it began 25 years ago, is a leading expert in helping parents cope with the emotional trials of pediatric illnesses. Mothers enjoyed the opportunity to hear from Jackie Bitton, a renowned inspiration speaker, teacher, and dean of students at the girls division of YDE Yeshivah in Brooklyn. In addition, Chai Lifeline’s professional staff was also on hand throughout the weekend.

The many sessions for parents gave the event gravitas; the davening, enhanced by the Yedidim Choir, was a source of inspiration. But it was the Shabbos meals, punctuated by the singing and dancing that is a Chai Lifeline tradition, and the joyful melava malka that bonded families together. Fathers and sons joined Chai Lifeline counselors as they snaked through the dining room singing together. Parents and children shared pizza, pasta and ice cream, then danced away the calories on Saturday night, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, Chai Lifeline’s director of client services and the head of the team that planned and implemented the program, said that the impact of the 48 hours (Friday and Shabbos) would be felt all year by families.

“People find information, inspiration, and support at the retreat,” he stated. “Months afterwards, parents tell us they still reflect back on the Shabbos and draw strength from the event.”

Parents agreed. “Chai Lifeline has already done so much for us,” said a mother whose child sported the short hair that often signals the end of the chemotherapy. “This went beyond what I thought it would be. I got so much from listening to the other mothers and being with the families. My daughter hasn’t stopped playing with the other girls since we got here. She won’t stop, no matter how tired she is. It is so wonderful to see that.”

Chai Lifeline is grateful to Jay Podolsky, Stuart Podolsky and the Amsterdam Hospitality family for their generosity in making the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel our home for the weekend.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)