As many of you know, in 2019-2020 I set out to raise awareness and support of the crucial work Chai Lifeline does by testing my physical limits and running the Miami Marathon for Team Lifeline. Surpassing my fundraising goal, I was humbled by the support I received from you - my family and friends - support that in turn provided emotional, social, and financial assistance to 6,000 children and their families. We enabled families to receive counseling, case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, insurance advocacy, volunteering or Big Brother and Big Sister programming, or Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special medically-supervised summer camps, among many other services Chai Lifeline provides.

On a more personal note, Chai Lifeline helped my children when my wife had surgery last year, and very recently, they provided direct support to the family, friends, and school of a dear 3rd grade student of mine who tragically passed away.

Most importantly, your support provided ill children with a childhood and grieving children with relief. To get a better sense of what Chai Lifeline does for families, please watch the videos below. I know they will touch your heart the way they touched mine.

The Team Lifeline journey has been one I will never forget either. In both 2019 and 2020, I ran over 1,000 miles, and in 2021 I surpassed 1,500 miles! I ran in the intense heat of summer and the dead cold of winter. I ran after midnight, before the break of dawn, and every time in between. I incurred a handful of related injuries along the way too. But I persevered, because I was running for something greater than myself.

So let's do it again! Only this time, let's raise even more, and let's run even faster! COVID may have changed many things, but the needs of these kids and their families remain!

Training is not easy, but neither is dealing with illness or grief. If the children of Chai Lifeline can fight each day, if they can push themselves through hospital stays and treatments, I can do this for them. But I can't do this without your support. Leave a comment of encouragement on my page, or even follow me on Strava to make sure I don't slack off! Most importantly, push the donate button and support these kids as much as you possibly can!

These children are counting on us, and I hope I can count on you too. Please help me reach my goal and raise as much money as possible for these incredible kids. Your tax-deductible contribution will have a direct impact on lives dimmed by pediatric illness when they need it most. Together, we can make a difference to Chai Lifeline’s 6,000 children and families around the globe.

Please consider donating in multiples of $26.2. Every extra dollar helps!

Thanks so much in advance!
- Ilan