Five Towns Letters to the Editor

Running for Chai Lifeline

Posted

To the Editor:
In 2013, I severely injured my leg and required two surgeries. In November 2001, my wife, Robin, and I were told that our son, Jonah, who was then 8 years old, had cancer. Jonah, now 22, was cured, but Chai Lifeline stood by our side, helping both Jonah and us tremendously.
This wonderful organization provided our children with big brothers and a big sister for our daughter, brought us home-cooked meals in the hospital and sent Jonah to Camp Simcha, in the mountains, where he always had a blast.
Chai Lifeline has also provided important emotional support to the entire family, and continues to be a part of our lives. Every year the camp offers 450 kids a chance to forget about illness and just be kids again.
As the father of a child who had cancer, I can never do enough to help the organization that was by our side during the entire ordeal. Chai Lifeline addresses the full spectrum of needs, from logistical to social, recreational to psychological. Chai Lifeline reaches out not only to patients, but also to parents, siblings, classmates, school faculty and the community as well.

As a means of showing my thankfulness, I am running the Miami Marathon and half-marathon on behalf of this organization and plan to raise more than $30,000 by race day. I hope you will help me reach this goal by making a generous tax-deductible donation. Your support is a critical part of this effort, and I know that together we can make a difference to these children. All donations are 100 percent tax-deductible, and the Team Lifeline website (http://tinyurl.com/pyq2me4) makes donations quick, easy and secure. Making a donation will only take a minute, so please donate today.
If you wish to mail your donation, make your checks payable to Chai Lifeline and send them to me at 309 Barr Ave., Woodmere, NY 11598.
Thank you for supporting me, and in doing so, helping children and their families cope with the diagnosis, treatment and aftermath of serious pediatric illness.

Howard Adelsberg
Woodmere