Rivka is 21 and hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is the oldest of five siblings. Currently, Rivka is a student pursuing a degree in elementary and special education. She enjoys public speaking and her hobbies include film and photography.
At age 12, Rivka was diagnosed with cancer. While in treatment, Chai Lifeline respite volunteers came to her bedside in the hospital to offer games, snacks and emotional support while meal packages were provided for her family. Rivka began attending Camp Simcha later that year.
“When I was 12 and diagnosed with cancer, I felt so alone,” shares Rivka. “I was just a kid and was really upset, I didn’t know how to process it. What was amazing about Camp Simcha was that there I made friends who knew what it was like being treated for cancer and we could connect and talk. I was in this environment where people would come over and say ‘I know what you’re going through, I know what it’s like.’”
Rivka continued to attend Camp Simcha for several more summers and also participated in Wish At The Wall, Chai Lifeline’s annual trip to Israel for teenagers who have either completed treatment for cancer or are living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Unfortunately, Rivka’s cancer relapsed at age 17, requiring her to undergo hip replacement surgery. At 19, she was diagnosed with a new tumor and was treated with chemotherapy and additional surgery.
“When I heard the news, I was worried that I wasn’t going to make it,” Rivka said. “Then, one of my former Camp Simcha counselors came to visit me and cheered me on and then I thought, yes I can do this.” Rivka’s chemotherapy and surgery were successful and she is currently in remission.
This past summer, Rivka returned to Camp Simcha for her seventh year.
“When I came back to Camp Simcha, I got off the bus and I just start crying. I said to myself I’m home, I’m finally home. I finally feel like I found my place!”
Updated August 2019.
