This summer, I will have the opportunity to partake in a very meaningful event: a 180-mile bike ride through New Jersey, the Pocono Mountains, and upstate NY. This is no ordinary ride; it’s an exhilarating cycling event ending at Camp Simcha, a remarkable overnight camp that provides seriously ill children with a vacation from sickness, restoring their spirits and renewing their determination to fight.

I will be doing this as part of Team Abe — in honor of my beloved father Abe Elias of blessed memory, who passed away on Monday, September 24, 2018.

While Camp Simcha is focused on assisting children with cancer and blood-related illnesses (as well as their families), my father’s health issues were related to his heart, not cancer. And yet, it feels right to honor his memory in this way, by riding our bikes and raising money for Camp Simcha.

My dad’s approach to life and his attitude to his own health issues match Camp Simcha’s mission. In response to health challenges, his spirit remained strong, he was determined to fight, he never lost hope, and his love for his family and friends never diminished. His sense of joy and appreciation for each day of life remained to his last.

We know he would be excited to support Camp Simcha’s mission of restoring the spirits of sick children, renewing their determination to fight, and reminding them of the inherent joy and fun that life offers - even as they move through dark and challenging moments.

Also, my father really loved riding his bike. His favorite rides were on Fridays, when he would cycle from his home in Lawrence to the Long Beach boardwalk and back.

We like to think that he’ll be excited to watch us ride from New Jersey to the Camp Simcha, and that he’ll be cheering us on throughout our 180-mile journey.

Finally, my dad was extremely charitable. He was committed to helping those in need, with a focus on giving tzedaka and to charities in the Jewish community.

Following my father’s shining example, we hope you’ll join us in supporting to this very worthy cause.

Thank you for your support,
Eli + Team Abe



About Chai Lifeline, Camp Simcha, and the bike4chai Ride

Life for a child with cancer or other serious illness is grueling; Chai Lifeline’s flagship programs, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, offer 430 children a chance to forget about illness and just be kids again. Camp is an oasis of fun, of joy, and of peace for children experiencing dark and turbulent times. To learn more about Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha special, visit campsimcha.org.

This year’s ride is even more thrilling than past years’ rides: it’s a landmark ride, the 10th Bike4Chai! I will depart on the two-day ride of a lifetime to camp on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. My objective is to raise $25,000 by then, and I hope you will help me reach this goal. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

Please contribute by clicking on the donate button now.

Thank you for supporting me and, in doing so, helping children and their families cope with the diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath of serious pediatric illness.

PS. For more information regarding this ride please visit bike4chai.org