This July, I am excited to take part once again in Tour de Simcha, an exhilarating 60-mile cycling event benefiting the children and families of Chai Lifeline. Life for a child with cancer, disability, or other serious illness is grueling. From the moment of diagnosis, Chai Lifeline’s dedicated staff and volunteers are there to provide joy, hope, and unparalleled care throughout the turbulent medical journey.
 
Every mile I ride and every dollar I raise will help support more than two-dozen essential programs for more than 5,900 children and families confronting pediatric illness, crisis, and loss. These critical services include counseling and case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, insurance advocacy, I-Shine after school programming, Big Brothers/Sisters, trauma and crisis intervention, and Camp Simcha, Camp Simcha Special, and Camp Simcha Without Borders, Chai Lifeline’s flagship summer programs for children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses.
 
It will be my 10^th summer working as a staff member at Camp Simcha- the place where magic is created and wonderful memories are made. It is an honor to be part of the Medical Team that works tirelessly to provide a safe, happy and impressionable summer for children with medical challenges.
 
This year I am riding In Memory of Itamar Tzvi ben Yitzchok V’Devorah Esther, Dr. Robert Van Amerongen A”H, our beloved Camp Simcha Special Medical Director.
 
Dr. Van was the quintessential Camp Doctor- an accomplished and venerated Pediatric Physician, who loved the CSS children and wouldn’t stop at anything to make a child smile. The CSS Infirmary is certainly the busiest- and funnest! -part of camp, thanks to leaders like Dr. Van. For over two decades, Dr. Van created and supervised the medical framework in Camp Simcha Special that enables children from  across the globe to experience the best summers of their lives. Kids would come by to visit and chat with the Doc, catch a good laugh, and include Dr. Van in camp activities. His exuberant nature, warmth, and sensitivity were felt by all. Dr. Van was a paragon of Chessed and he, along with the Camp Simcha Warriors, are a true inspiration. He lived to do good for others, spread joy, and infuse life with purpose and meaning. His legacy will live on forever.
 
May we continue to share in opportunities and experiences that make a difference in the lives of others, and spread happiness, laughter and light to all those around us.
 
On behalf of the children of Chai Lifeline and Camp Simcha, I thank you for your support.

Tzku L’mitzvot!
 
- Riki