In Memory of Ed Schaffer

Team Baltimore

Ed Schaffer was a very accomplished individual. Not only was he a craftsman and a musician, but he was one of the strongest bicyclists that many of us had the privilege to ride with. Over the span of many years we rode thousands of miles together throughout the beautiful roads of Baltimore County Maryland. Ed participated in two Bike4Chai rides over the years, and he always spoke fondly of the experience.

When Ed was diagnosed with brain cancer a year ago, his entire life began to change. He was no longer able to work or bicycle and slowly his ability to play the fiddle began to wane as well. However, in spite of these challenges, he never seemed to give up or allow himself to be consumed by his failing health. In fact, he set an example of what it means to accept one's circumstances and make the best of them.

Almost everyone who spent time visiting Ed over the past year, was greeted by Ed and uplifted by his ability to focus on them rather than on himself.

Ed lived a life of goodness and accomplishment. His memory will surely be a blessing for his family and his many friends, and especially for all of us who had the opportunity to spend time bicycling with him.

This summer, we will once again have the opportunity to partake in a life-changing 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.

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! We will depart on the two-day ride of a lifetime to camp on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Our objective is to raise $100,000 by then, and we hope you will help us reach this goal. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

Please contribute by clicking on the donate button now.

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

Best Regards,
Team Baltimore

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