This summer, once again, I am excited to take part in Bike4Chai, an exhilarating 100-mile cycling event benefiting the children and families of Chai Lifeline. Riding the past three years has been a tremendous experience. Words cannot convey the feeling that comes from riding into camp and seeing the happiness and joy of children whose lives are full of pain and uncertainty. These are kids who for most of the year have very little reason to smile. For two weeks each summer they get to go to a place that transports them to a different world, a world of hope and happiness. We ride for them. We ride to make their lives a little bit easier and to show them that they are not alone. We ride to put smiles on the faces of these children and to provide them with a short time of normalcy, of being just like all the other kids.

This year I have decided to dedicate my ride to my Grandma, Betty Davidsohn, who left us unexpectedly just as 2022 came to a close. Grandma was a person who lived for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing she wouldn't do for us and there wasn't an expense too large if it made us smile. She constantly and consistently went out of her way to do for her family and never wanted anything in return. Even as her health began to decline in her later years she never allowed it to be an excuse to stop giving. She was always our biggest motivator, our proudest fan and our staunchest defender. She was our greatest source of happiness, strength and comfort. Her personality and spirit were very much aligned with the mission of Chai Lifeline and, for this reason, it is fitting that I am participating and fundraising in her memory this year. May all the contributions I raise and the joy and happiness I generate by riding be a zechus for her special neshama.

Every mile I ride and every dollar I raise will help support critical programs and services for more than 6,000 families impacted by illness, crisis, and loss. These services include counseling and case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, insurance advocacy, i-Shine afterschool programming, Big Brothers/Sisters, crisis and trauma intervention, and Chai Lifeline’s flagship medically-supervised summer programs, Camp Simcha, Camp Simcha Special, and Camp Simcha Without Borders. I’ve committed to raising $18,000 for this important cause and I hope I can count on you to help me reach my goal. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. Life for a child with cancer, disability, or other serious illness is grueling. From the moment of diagnosis, Chai Lifeline’s dedicated staff and volunteers are there to provide joy, hope, and unparalleled care throughout the turbulent medical journey. Please contribute generously by clicking on the donate button now. On behalf of the children and families of Chai Lifeline, thank you for your support.

Yehoshua

P.S. For more information regarding this ride please visit bike4chai.org