Dear Friends,

This summer once again, I will have the opportunity to partake in a life-changing event; a 180-mile bike ride through New Jersey, the Pocono Mountains, and Upstate NY. For me, Bike4Chai is more than just a bike ride. It's an opportunity for me to set extreme goals and fulfill them.

After smoking for 17 years, I quit with my first Bike4Chai ride last year, and have not had a cigarette in 18 months. Quitting smoking has come with some challenges, in particular weight gain. In the past few months, I've managed to bring down my weight significantly while training, but I'm still trying to lose the last few pounds I gained since quitting. Training for Bike4Chai requires me to do extensive and extreme workouts along with keeping to a very strict diet!

Due to a knee injury in 2018, I didn't attempt to complete the ride. I ended up doing more than I originally anticipated - 120 miles with walking up many of the hills. This year is my chance to try again. I've trained extensively and with Hashem's help, I'll be able to complete it!

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.

For Kalman, my honorary biking partner and my dear friends son Bike4chai is an opportunity to be part of giving back to the organization that gives him so much. He expressed such joy when I offered to ride for him and he hasn't stopped since. Every time I visit he asks me for updates on what is planned for this year's event, where I'm holding in my training, fundraising, and who has donated. After last year's ride, he asked to sit down with me to review the donor list. He asked me who each of the 170 donors were and how I know them. Just recently I informed him that for the 10th anniversary of Bike4Chai the whole Camp Simcha will be joining for an overnight trip to the hotel the rider are staying between day 1 and 2. I can't explain the joyous expression he had as he exclaimed on top of his lungs "THAT MEANS ME" There is no place on earth that brings him as much joy as Camp Simcha Special.

At Camp Simcha Special, Kalman can be himself, with all his physical challenges, and get to enjoy a real camping experience; doing things regular kids get to do. Simple activities like getting in the pool can be quite challenging for Kalman, yet Simcha Special makes it happen. There are no activities that he is excluded from. Simcha Special also provides its campers with memories that last a lifetime with activities that are unique and tailored to their campers. There are even accommodations made on campus so he does not have to miss his physical therapy while away at camp. He has made some real lasting friendships with Simcha volunteers and staff, many of whom visit throughout the year, including myself. To sum up Camp Simcha in his own words “the most wonderful place on Earth.”

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. The 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 $10,000 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.

Best Regards,
Eli

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