Esther, 12, lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. She loves to dance, play soccer, and spend time with her friends. When she grows up, Esther wants to be a pediatrician, lawyer, or a scientist who discovers cures for diseases.
When she was just five, Esther received a devastating cancer diagnosis. That’s when the Chai Lifeline team stepped in, offering Esther and her family their trademark warmth, compassion, and support. Dedicated volunteers kept Esther company with games, entertainment, and snacks at her hospital bedside as she underwent treatment. Today, she is cancer-free and looks forward to spending her summers in Camp Simcha.
“Going through cancer was really scary,” says Esther. “But if you have a lot of people who support you, like friends and family, then you can get through it. I am most thankful for Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha. There, I feel truly understood, especially by being around people who have been through similar experiences. My favorite part of camp is that every day we all dance and sing because every day is like a holiday, it’s a reason to celebrate living no matter what you’re going through. That’s what life is about.”
Updated September 2020.
