From Chai Lifeline's Files

Jonathan
Nine-year-old Jonathan inspires everyone he meets with his brave determination to play the role of "normal" kid. With leukemia, that's not always easy; frequent hospitalizations and debilitating treatment cycles take their toll on Jonathan and his entire family.

Since Jonathan's diagnosis, Chai Lifeline has been there, providing the youngster and his family with vital support services. At those times that he must be hospitalized, volunteers courtesy of the 6xChai Volunteer Program visit with Jonathan, giving his parents a chance to grab a few hours shut-eye or get some fresh air. Overnight volunteers make it possible for both parents to spend an occasional night at home with their other children.

Jonathan is holding his own right now, but a long and difficult road lies ahead. His parents find Chai Lifeline's Support Group Program for parents of catastrophically ill children a tremendous resource of emotional strength. The Bernice Rimberg Our SIBS Program, under the guidance of medical and social service professionals provides Jonathan's siblings with emotional support and counseling and an outlet for their anxieties and feelings.

As for Jonathan, he's pretty excited about his recent hook-up to ChaiLink an innovative video teleconferencing system that brings the home- or hospital-bound child "back into the classroom". Thanks to the program, Jonathan is catching up with his school work -- and his friends.

And that allows him to feel just the way he wants to -- like a normal kid.

Gila
Diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor at 13 months, Gila was admitted to a major medical center for treatment. The emotional and mental strain her parents underwent was exacerbated by the serious financial setbacks the family had suffered in the previous year. Through the Ann and Pinky Sohn Fund, Chai Lifeline was able to help alleviate the family's financial burden, picking up the cost of many illness-related expenses not covered by their insurance.

In the months following diagnosis, Chai Lifeline social workers monitored Gila's case closely, periodically recommending appropriate services from the agency's wide array of psychosocial programs. After nearly a year of treatment, Gila succumbed to her illness despite her parents' and doctors' heroic efforts. Chai Lifeline invited the family to attend its Bereavement Retreat where they gained immensely from the retreat's full program of support and therapy sessions. Gila's parents and siblings also found comfort simply in being together with others who know what it's like to lose a loved one. They came away from the weekend emotionally and psychologically strengthened, a bit better prepared to get back to the business of living.

Avi
15-year-old Avi's parents recall the early days after their son's diagnosis with Hodgkin's disease as an uncertain and frightening time. They recall, too, how the seemingly constant presence of compassionate and caring Chai Lifeline volunteers -- bringing them food when they were unable to leave their son's hospital bedside, staying with Avi when they needed a few hours respite -- and helping them make it through that difficult period.

Thankfully, Avi is now in remission. But his family still maintains their close bond with Chai Lifeline. Each year, they attend the organization's Winter Family Retreat, which brings scores of Chai Lifeline families together for three extraordinary days of physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. And every summer, Avi spends three exhilarating weeks at Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline's renowned kosher camp for children with catastrophic illnesses. The exceptionally close friendships he has developed with many of the campers and counselors promise to endure for a lifetime.