This summer, I am excited to take part in TourDeSimcha - The Ultimate Women's Run/Ride Experience benefiting the children and families of Chai Lifeline.

We have been connected with Chai Lifeline since shortly after Juliette was born. When she was just over 6 months old, our case manager Stacy facilitated an expedited appointment with a neurologist who originally had a 2+ month wait time for an appointment. We had an appointment within days. It was under his expertise that Juliette finally received her accurate diagnosis of Joubert Syndrome. It was also under his supervision that we found ourselves at NYU for a 72 hour EEG that eventually extended over a Shabbos. Chai lifeline took care of all our food needs that week, and sent a volunteer to chat with us and keep us company.

Since then, Chai lifeline has been there with meals for every hospitalization, whether emergency or scheduled. During one extended stay they provided enough dinners at home to take us through recovery time even once Juliette was discharged. 

One of our most momentous opportunities with Chai Lifeline was when we found ourselves stranded in Philadelphia after an outpatient visit at CHOP ran late on a Friday afternoon. Traffic was terrible and there was no way we’d make it back to Brooklyn by candle lighting. We spent Shabbos at their Chai House apartment, with meals, snacks and even afternoon reading materials all taken care of. For us, Chai House meant a relaxing and stress free weekend, but for many families with a child hospitalized at CHOP, it’s a home away from home so parents can take turns resting up, shower, and take a short break before heading back to their child’s bedside. 

I think it’s so appropriate that Juliette has an important appointment at CHOP soon after the 10k/half marathon Run to Camp Simcha. I’ll be glad to know that if we need to utilize their bikkur cholim room, I have done my part to pay it back and pay it forward by participating in Tour de Simcha. 

Every mile I run/ride and every dollar that I raise will help support additional critical programs and services for more than 6,000 families impacted by illness, crisis, and loss. Besides for the counseling and case management, and meals delivered to hospitals and homes as I mentioned from personal experience, they also provide  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 $5,000 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.

Please also continue to keep Juliette in your prayers for continued good health. Yehudis Mazal bas Rachel.

On behalf of the children and families of Chai Lifeline, and on behalf of Team Juliette, thank you for your support.

Rachelle/Ruchy Travis

PS. For more information regarding this fundraising campaign please visit tourdesimcha.org