Meet Rivka, a vibrant and inspiring 17-year-old from Passaic, NJ. In 2021, a skiing accident left her with life-altering spinal cord damage. After a traumatic and lengthy hospital stay, Rivka learned she was paralyzed from the chest down. Facing a future filled with uncertainty, Rivka needed more than just medical care. She needed hope.
That’s where Chai Lifeline stepped in.
Chai Lifeline ensured Rivka’s entire family received comprehensive support as they navigated this difficult period. From coordinating volunteer visits, to keeping Rivka’s siblings entertained with games and toys, to providing nourishing meals (and late night 7-Eleven snacks) throughout her grueling rehabilitation, Chai Lifeline offered a welcome sense of normalcy.
The next summer, Rivka attended Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised summer program for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses, where she forged strong bonds with her counselors and peers. “As I wheeled into camp, I was greeted by people I had never met before but for some reason it felt like I knew them my whole life,” said Rivka. “I came to realize that everything I was told about Camp Simcha was true… the energy, the excitement, the people, something about it feels a lot like home.”
Reflecting on her journey, Rivka adds, “When going through something so huge, having the comfort and knowledge that Chai Lifeline was there to help at any given moment made a world of difference.” She believes that "things don’t happen to you. They happen so you understand that what you go through is necessary to get you to where you need to be. It is often the chaos in your life that shapes you as a person."
Updated May 2024
