This journey started nearly 10 years ago, in 2015, when my cousin joined the Chai lifeline marathon with a few of her friends. Just moments after she crossed that finish line, she reached out to me and said, “Malky, you will absolutely love this! You must join me!”

Until then I probably never ran before- I loved walking but I was not a runner. It was tough but I raised the money and ran my first half marathon. It was incredible. We heard inspiring stories from parents, from campers at camp simcha, and from the children who were impacted by Chai Lifeline.. The hype was real. There was no turning back. I was sold.

Shortly after I ran my first half marathon, my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor otherwise known as glioblastoma multiforme stage 4 and was only given a short time to live. He was 59 years old, completely healthy, and active. He was one of the best humans in my life, and in this world. Everyone who knew him, knew joy. He always had a smile on his face and was constantly providing a tremendous amount of Chesed (good deeds) to those in need. He loved Israel, would visit often, and when he passed, his wish was granted, and he was buried on Har zeisim.

As a nurse on the Pediatric unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I am witness to the unwavering support of Chai Lifeline every single day. In fact, in the last five years at the hospital, I cannot recall a day without their loving presence on my unit. They come with sandwiches, donuts, coffee, and treats for the kids. They bring endless toys and games, singers and entertainment. If a child requests it, Chai Lifeline brings it.

This coming year will be my 10th year running with Team Lifeline.  
The one time opportunity for a free trip to Miami has morphed into a life-changing expeirence that has added so much meaning and purpose to my life. Last week, I was fortunate to witness the benefits and rewards of our fundraising efforts. After 9 years of running for team lifeline, I finally had the privilege to join Camp Simcha as an oncology nurse. Camp simcha is a camp specifically geared to children with illness, at no cost to these kids and their families. Whatever I imagined it would be, it was so much greater. It was a transformative experience to watch the kids I treat the whole year, out there living their best lives. It brought everything full circle.  

I’m in awe of what Camp Simcha provides for these children. Aside from the fact that there are no rules and there no such thing as no, everything is catered to the emotional and physical well-being of the children.  The camp grounds are  spectacular; there are games, and pools and lakes, and a fabulous recording studio. Their infirmary is organized and fully equipped with a team of doctors, nurses, and multiple medics. The majority of this team consists of volunteers with full time jobs.

After October 7, the world as we know it changed. There are no words to describe the hurt and betrayel we’ve been battling together since that infamous day nine months ago, a day that has taken thousands of our precious brothers and sisters, a day that seems to portray what our families have endured during the Holocaust.

This year I will be organizing a team through @niceJewishrunners for NJR at the Team Lifeline Marathon or half marathon in Miami this upcoming February. Nice Jewish runners began with one motive: To show support to Israel, to show solidarity, to show that no Jew stands alone, that every Jew is welcome. With the efforts our founder, Ezra Feig, we have created a community that we did not know we needed.

One of our mottos at Team Lifeline is “ Lacing up your sneakers isn’t easy, but neither is battling childhood illness.” Let’s join together in unity to support these children and to remind each other of our collective strength.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Love, Malky