On December 17, I underwent open-heart surgery to repair a valve. Earlier last year, back in May, I had neck surgery to relieve pressure on my spine and to fuse my top two vertebrae. As a result, I have reduced range of motion in turning my head. (One surgeon told me that if I pitch, I will no longer be able to pick off runners at first base!!)

That's enough about me and my little health issues. Let's talk about some people with REAL health challenges.

This summer, 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. 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.

Training for a 180-mile bike ride after open-heart surgery will not be easy. But it is NOTHING compared to the challenges these kids face every day.

My goal is to raise $30,000 for Camp Simcha, and I hope you will help me reach this goal.

This year I am dedicating my ride in memory of my father, Harry Seplowitz, who passed away at the age of 41 of pancreatic cancer, and my mother, Nancy Seplowitz Prague, who passed away three years ago at the age of 89.

Won't you please help me help the kids?

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,
Yerachmiel Seplowitz

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