You may already know that I’m training to run the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon this November. Completing a marathon is a personal challenge for me, but I’m not in this for the glory. I’m running for something way more important. I’m running to raise awareness and critical funds for Chai Lifeline, a wonderful organization dedicated to helping very sick children and their families.

Throughout the year, Chai Lifeline provides emotional, social, and financial assistance to more than 5,900 children and their families. Whether it’s counseling, case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, insurance advocacy, volunteering or Big Brother and Big Sister programming, or Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special medically-supervised summer camps, Chai Lifeline’s innovative programs and services help families navigate the complexities of childhood illness and restore joy and happiness. To get a better sense of what Chai Lifeline does for families, please watch the videos below. I know they will touch your heart the way they touched mine.

Training is not easy, but neither is dealing with illness. If the children of Chai Lifeline can fight each day, if they can push themselves through hospital stays and treatments, I can do this for them. But I can't do this without your support. I need your help to raise as much money as possible for these kids. So please, push the donate button and help me put smiles on the faces of sick children. Let's do this together!

Best - Penina