The Lakewood Kehila is gearing up for tonight’s massive display of chizuk for Chai Lifeline Lakewood at Bais Faiga Hall. The reception will start at 9:00 pm and the program will begin at 10:00 pm sharp.  To accommodate the expected overflow crowd, additional parking will be available at Shlomy’s Kosher World with a shuttle bus provided from 9:00- 11:00pm.
 
When a family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening or lifelong illness, Chai Lifeline becomes their advocate.  Chai lifeline’s professional staff members, complemented by more than 500 volunteers, provide two-dozen, year round programs and services that include professional case management, financial aid, counseling, tutoring for children who are out of school, respite, hot nourishing meals, housekeeping assistance, transportation, insurance support services, events and activities for siblings and much more.
 
“Unfortunately, the need for Chai Lifeline Lakewood keeps growing and growing,” commented Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW.  “There is scarcely a family in Lakewood that does not know someone who has been affected by serious illness. It could be a friend, neighbor, relative or chavrusah, but everyone knows someone who is being helped by Chai Lifeline.”
 
As a mother wrote in a note to Chai Lifeline. “As someone on the receiving end of your wonderful services, I can say that your name personifies your very essence.  You have been a virtual lifeline in times of utter distress.  The secret of Chai Lifeline is that you don’t only respond to the spoken request, you somehow sense what else is needed, and fill those needs too.  You take the entire picture into consideration, so that when I call to ask for a specific supper for my daughter, whose diet is limited, you will always inquire “and what about you? and include a nourishing meal for me as well.
 
As a mother who is often required to be in CHOP at my daughter’s bedside, I can say that your trips, activities and events geared for siblings have been a real lifesaver.  It means that when I have to spend long hours at the hospital, I know that my children are cared for and occupied in a productive and fun manner.  It means that on Chol Hamoed they too are going on a trip, even if my husband and I are unable to take them.  And for this and so much more, I thank you”
 
Chai Lifeline’s programs are available free of charge to all families, which makes the tzibbur’s involvement so much more important.  For this reason, we ask from the entire Kehila, “K’ish Echad B’lev Echad” to show support and appreciation by attending the reception on Wednesday evening, July 7, Tamuz 25 at Bais Faiga Hall and contributing generously.
 
The guest speaker will be Harav Eitan Feiner, Mara D’asra of K’hal Knesses Yisroel (The White Shul) in Far Rockaway, NY.  Dr. Peter C. Phillips, MD, Director of the Neuro-Oncology program, at CHOP will receive the Community Service Award and R’ Psachya Skaist will present a video documentary ‘Trials and Triumphs- A Father’s Perspective’. 
 
For more information or to make a contribution, please call Rabbi Arye Adest at 732.719.1717