In Jan 2026, Team Sophie will return for its 7th Team Lifeline marathon (and half-marathon) to help raise money for Chai Lifeline, specifically Camp Simcha!
Camp Simcha is a sleep-away camp that's specifically built to accept children with life-threatening illnesses. The first year Sophie went to camp, she was only 4.5 years old. She went the entire 10 nights away from home without a second thought. For a short time, she was able to completely forget about her illness and chemo treatments and instead enjoy every single moment of her days surrounded by some of the most incredible friends, counselors and staff. At camp, Sophie had the chance to be whatever she wanted to be.
Each day was an adventure: she got to ride in a helicopter, go boating, watch fireworks, bake, dance and eat ice cream every day (sometimes multiple times a day). One day she would dress up as a princess, the next day a fairy, the next a nurse. There wasn't a spot on her head that wasn't covered in face paint and tattoos. From the minute she came home that first summer she was already looking forward to returning the next year and she told stories about camp the entire year.
There was no stopping her from going back to camp the following summer in 2019. Even though she was very ill, Sophie somehow found the strength to pick up and go to camp, and this time she didn't call home once the entire 12 days. That second year she lost her first tooth, used up all of the camp's sprinkles and was able to find peace and happiness in a magical place that, to her, existed solely to make her happy.
Sophie passed away a few days after returning from camp in July 2019. Mommy, Daddy, JJ, Koby, and Teddy all love you Sophie and miss you every second of every day.
Please donate or even consider joining our team! You can walk (like me), run, or donate to an incredible organization that exists for the sole purpose (pun intended) of helping amazing kids like Sophie find happiness.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading, sharing, donating, and joining.
We're always thinking of Sophie, may her memory be a blessing.
$500.00
3.Chris Jansen
Go DSpang! Wonderful annual tradition to honor Sophie.
$500.00
4.Gregory Sizikov
$500.00
5.David Izbicki
$370.00
6.Simon Brief
May Sophie's memory continue to be a blessing for you and your family David
$250.00
7.Kirk McWhorter
$200.00
8.Farsad Nasseri
$180.00
9.Stephanie & Dov Wasserman
$180.00
10.Aaron Walters
$100.00
11.Lauren Kapnick
May her memory be a blessing <3
$100.00
12.Dave & Josie Stoner
Go team Sophie!
$100.00
13.Brad Verazin
$100.00
14.Roger Box
Dave, what an impressive way to contribute over the many years that you have and create an impact. A fabulous legacy.
Roger
$100.00
15.Unnikrishnan Rema Devi
$100.00
16.Katie Harmon
What a beautiful way to honor Sophie! Camp Simcha sounds absolutely magical.
$100.00
17.Kristin & Mike ODonoghue
Sophie continues to shine a bright light in my heart all these years later - thank you for keeping this going and for your continued courage. Thinking of you all.