Since 1987, Chai Lifeline’s mission has been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed.
Through programs that address the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities, Chai Lifeline restores normalcy to family life, and better enables families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness.
Camp Simcha: Each summer, 400 seriously ill children are treated to unforgettable, medically supervised overnight camp experiences at Camp Simcha, for children battling cancer and other hematological illnesses, and Camp Simcha Special, for children with debilitating chronic conditions. At Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, children and teens trade hospital rooms and doctors’ offices for fun, friendship, and hope for the future. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities in fully handicapped-accessible facilities. Talent shows, concerts, and helicopter, hot-air, and motorcycle rides make every day super-special.
Community Services: Comprehensive volunteer training offers opportunities to make a true difference in the lives of families struggling with pediatric illness or loss. General information and specialized publications help volunteers, educators and the community better understand the issues surrounding pediatric illness.
Counseling: Chai Lifeline’s counseling services help each member of the family cope with serious pediatric illness and move towards stability in the midst of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
Crisis Intervention: Chai Lifeline’s crisis intervention services offer families, schools, camps, and community groups an unprecedented level of resources and services. Starting in the first few hours after a crisis occurs, Chai Lifeline’s professionals and trained paraprofessionals support the affected families and facilitate community responses.
Educational Assistance: When illness keeps a student from the classroom, Chai Lifeline’s educational assistance helps the child stay current with schoolwork and au courant with friends.
Hospital Services: The onset of illness or a child’s hospital stay can place unbearable stress on the entire family. Chai Lifeline’s mission is to ease the burden by providing everything a family needs to get through days, weeks, or months of a child’s hospitalization.
Cancer treatment, wheelchairs, even ventilators or gastric tubes: there’s no reason to miss out on the fun.
Chai Lifeline trips are potent medicine for children on active treatment, those whose chronic illnesses make traveling difficult, and teens who are celebrating a cancer-free life or the ability to manage complex medical conditions.
Trips: When the daily pressures of living with illness become overwhelming, Chai Lifeline families can rest body and spirit at either the Stella K. Abraham Family Center or the Pamela and Craig Goldman River Retreat.
600 Reisterstown Road, Suite 508
Baltimore, MD 21208