This year, for the 8th year, I am running the Miami Marathon with Team Lifeline as part of Team Adeena in honor of Adeena Paknoush Z”l. For those who did not get the opportunity to meet Adeena, she was an incredibly lovable, energetic, caring, and sincere person who left an incredible mark on everyone that she met. Her smile was contagious, and she lit up every room that she walked into.

In the summer of 2017, Adeena attended Camp Simcha, an unforgettable overnight summer program for children battling cancer or other blood disorders. Camp Simcha gives these children the opportunity to step away from the hospital, make friends, and experience the joys of childhood in a safe, medically supervised environment. After Adeena came back from camp, she told me about all the amazing activities, staff, and campers. She explained how amazing Chai Lifeline is and how much she wanted to give back once she got better. She dreamed of becoming a Camp Simcha counselor and running for Chai Lifeline in the Miami Marathon herself.

In her memory, I am running for Chai Lifeline, something Adeena herself had always hoped to do. I hope to raise money so that other children can experience the same unique joy that Adeena experienced at Camp Simcha.

Please consider donating to help make this possible. Every contribution makes a difference.

Thank you!

-Maytal Rahimzada

For a closer look at Camp Simcha, please take a look at this video below with a voice-over by my friend Adeena Z'L

youtu.be/wntNScrxDVo