Bruce Steinberg, Age 9

Boca Raton, FL

Team Lifeline Honorary Runner

Bruce Steinberg was a born competitor who took advantage of Florida’s year-round weather to participate in virtually any sport played on a field or court.  In fact, his athletic prowess, especially on the gridiron, earned him accolades as one of the league’s star players.

“In mid-2008, Bruce was diagnosed with bronchitis and this once high-octane 8 year-old had become a virtual shell of his old self; always lethargic and just never looking well.  Finally, in December 2008, blood and bone marrow tests confirmed a diagnosis - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).  “It felt like we were slowly losing our child” said Bruce’s mother, Lisa “but at the same time were relieved that treatment could begin.”

On December 16, 2008, doctors placed Bruce on a treatment regimen that will last until February 2012; at the same time, Chai Lifeline introduced Bruce to Camp Simcha.

“We had never heard of Camp Simcha but when Marilyn Bensinger from Chai Lifeline brought dinner to the hospital room we just knew that it was special” recalled Lisa.

Nearly two years later Lisa can’t imagine herself without Chai Lifeline.  “As a single and working mother, Chai Lifeline has provided critical support during this very challenging time” said Lisa

“Just as Camp Simcha is there for Bruce, Chai Lifeline is here for me!”

In the summer of 2009 Bruce headed to Camp Simcha for the first time and is bursting at the seams for his return in 2010.

As for Bruce, just mention Camp Simcha and watch out! When asked what he liked most about Camp Simcha, a brief moment of silence was followed with a barrage of enthusiastic responses.

“Favorite, as in I can only choose one thing?” asked Bruce.  “That’s impossible, it was the best time of my life, the counselors were awesome, the food was great and the activities were so much fun!  Sometimes the activities were even a little crazy, like the time we made wallets out of duct tape,” shouted Bruce.

“As you can see, Bruce is a little enthusiastic when it comes to Camp Simcha and can’t wait to go back this summer,” said Lisa.