Cancer is an illness that affects people in other families, not ours

However, in November 2001 my wife Robin and I were told that our son Jonah, who was then eight years old, had cancer. Through the grace of Hashem, and with the help of our doctors, and support of family and friends, our son was cured.

During that time, Chai Lifeline, a not for profit organization dedicated to helping children suffering from serious illnesses, as well as their family members, stood by our side helping Jonah and us tremendously. This wonderful organization provided our children with big brothers and big sisters, brought us home cooked meals in the hospital, and sent Jonah to Camp Simcha, in the mountains, where he always had a blast. Chai Lifeline has also provided important emotional support to the entire family, and continues to be a part of our lives.

As the father of a child who had cancer, I can never do enough to help the organization that was by our side during the entire ordeal. Chai Lifeline addresses the full spectrum of needs, from logistical to social, recreational to psychological. Chai Lifeline reaches out not only to patients, but also to parents, siblings, classmates, school faculty, and the community as well.

Jonah is now a healthy 19 year old attending Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. He plans to attend Yeshiva University in January. This summer, nine years after Jonah was last there as a camper, he worked at Camp Simcha, giving back to the organization that did so much for him and the entire family.

As a means of thankfulness and appreciation, I will be participating in the ING-Miami Mini-Marathon on Sunday, January 27, 2013 to raise money for Chai Lifeline. We hope to raise $30,000.00 for this wonderful organization to help with its important work.

As we enter the yom noraim and we ask Hashem to grant our requests it is also incumbant upon us to do teshuva, tefillah and tzedukah. Kindly consider contributing to this worthy organization. Please help us reach our goal by going to our website, http://tiny-url.org/JonahAdelsberg and contribute, or please mail your checks payable to: Chai Lifeline c/o. Adelsberg, 309 Barr Avenue, Woodmere, New York 11598.

Thank You,

Howard M. Adelsberg