Welcome to my page - I hope you are here to donate, but first let me share my story!

About 8 years ago my good friend Evan Levy lost his battle to childhood cancer. He was the cutest, funniest, most energetic kid. He had gone through so many things that a young kid should never have to experience, but yet he did everything with a huge smile on his face. Ever since he lost his battle I have become very involved in several organizations to help other kids just like him. In addition, exactly three years ago my little friend Angelina lost her battle to Neuroblastoma which she had been fighting since she was 3.5. I had the privilege of taking her on a trip to Disney through the partnership of two amazing organizations (Ohr Meir & Chai Lifeline). We made memories and friends that will last forever! Then during the summer of 2021 I had the privilege of working at Camp simcha where I met my Bestie 4 Life Michelle. A few descriptors I would use to describe her are: Energetic, Spunky, Strong, Oreo and Pickle obsessed, Artistic, Creative, and my true Soul Sister. Although we only spent 4 days together in the special camp weekend session, those 4 days began our life changing friendship. Even though she was going through such a hard time Michelle taught me what it meant to live. Unfortunately, Michelle lost her battle to cancer last summer - but one of our true bonding moments was over Tour De Simcha.

This is why I have committed to biking 50 (or maybe even 60 miles) this summer to raise money for Camp Simcha. It is a remarkable overnight camp that provides seriously ill children with a vacation from sickness, restoring their spirits and renewing their determination to fight.Every year Camp Simcha offers 430 children a chance to forget about illness and just be kids again. I had the privilege of working at camp the past two summers - it was truly a life changing experience and I hope to be there again this summer. Nevertheless, I will be climbing the upstate New York hills biking into camp on Tuesday, July 11th 2022 to support all the kids just like Evan, Angelina, and Michelle who are suffering from pediatric illness. I know they will be cheering me on from above!

My objective is to raise $3,600 by then, and I hope you will help me reach this goal. Any small amount will go a long way! All donations are tax deductible!

Let’s do this! #TourDeSimcha #CampSimcha #SmileThruIt

Best,
Elana Sichel
PS For more info about the bike ride please visit tourdesimcha.com