By Deb Silverthorn
Summers to remember and year-round support for children living with cancer and other chronic illnesses have been at the heart of Chai Lifeline’s mission for 38 years. In February, the organization welcomed Plano resident Marcey Silber as development director for its newly created Central Region.
“We want our children to come and have the very best time and to return home with renewed productivity, strength and courage. We don’t use the word disability, just different abilities, as our mission is to compassionately and innovatively meet the unique social, emotional and practical needs of children, families and communities impacted by illness, trauma or loss,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline’s CEO, who has been with the organization since its earliest days. “We provide a ‘can-do’ spirit and give them back their childhoods.”
In 2021, Silber, her husband Rick, their children Nava, Liam, Uriah and Oren, and their pup Bayou left their home in Toronto and headed south. Dallas’ thriving Jewish community reputation preceded their arrival and they haven’t looked back.
“We lived in a hotel for six months, visited Torah Day School, connected with Rabbi (Nasanya) Zakon of DATA of Plano and the rest is history,” said Silber, who, in addition to Texas communities, supports families in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
She was first introduced to Chai Lifeline years ago by family friends.
“I’m so proud of this opportunity,” she said.
Silber looks forward to engaging volunteers and professionals to support local warriors and their families. Included in her plans is partnering with Bikur Cholim of Dallas, students from day schools and youth groups and adults from throughout the community.
“I spent 10 amazing summers at Camp Northland-B’nai Brith in Haliburton, Ontario, and I want to bring some of that, and much more, to our children and their families,” she said.
Silber hopes to build awareness and support throughout the region. Chai Lifeline has served 89 Texas clients over the years, and she wants to expand programs, recruit volunteers and raise funds to reach even more children and families.
Chai Lifeline’s year-round programs and summer camps host clients from around the United States and from Australia, Belgium, Canada, England and Israel.
Support includes professional case management and individualized ongoing support, hospital respite and volunteer visits, trips, activities and special events, and summer experiences at Camp Simcha, Camp Simcha Special and Camp Simcha Without Borders.
Camp Simcha, for campers living with cancer and blood disorders, and Camp Simcha Special, for children managing other chronic illnesses and conditions, are based on the 125-acre Jack and Moishe Horn Campus in New York’s Catskills and offer four two-week sessions each summer.
Campers in all phases of treatment, including post-treatment and those dependent on wheelchairs or walkers, respirators, gastric tubes and other medical equipment, are supported by the camp’s medical and administrative teams, who ensure the highest standards of health and safety. In addition, all special diets and feeding routines are maintained.
With a 3-to-1 support team member-to-camper ratio, campers might undergo chemo or other treatments at the camp’s top-tier Silber and Scheiner Families Medical Center (no relation to Marcey Silber) in the morning and then participate in baseball or photography, arts and crafts, boating and swimming or rocketry.
“I have multiple chronic illnesses and believe me, the staff at camp know their stuff,” said Sarah Esther Stern, a camper from San Antonio who is looking forward to year seven at Camp Simcha. “It’s possible I could get sick at any time, but I have complete confidence in them and I’m counting the days till I can go back.
“The best part of camp is the people. The staff are sweet and the friends I’ve made understand how hard it can be,” said Stern. “Our friendships are really special.”
Dallas resident and Ohr HaTorah member Lauren Goldschmidt, who spent seven summers as a counselor at Camp Simcha, says “there’s nothing like it. Nothing.”
“These kids are following their treatments with helicopter rides, time around the lake on a motorboat and dancing at every meal,” she continued.
Goldschmidt said the sensitivity training she received as a counselor has stayed with her and that campers quickly form bonds with others who understand the challenges of living with chronic illness.
Year-round support includes hospital visits, educational assistance, transportation to medical appointments, trauma and bereavement services, and support programs for children and families affected by illness or loss.
“We welcome children from any and every Jewish background and observance level and we don’t follow any particular religious philosophy,” said Scholar. “We have kids who wear peyos and those who wear ponytails. You can come with a ring on your finger or one in your nose and we’ll support you 100%.”
To that, an already boots-on-the-ground Silber says, “Our theme is ‘no limits,’ and we make the impossible possible.”
For more information about Chai Lifeline, visit ChaiLifeline.org, email msilber@chailifeline.org or call 945-246-0483.
