By Tzipora Grodko
Running isn’t something that came naturally to me. In fact, for much of my life, I would have laughed at the idea of participating in a marathon.
But when I lace up my running shoes and join Team Lifeline for the Miami Marathon on Feb. 2, I’m driven by something bigger than myself. I will run for the kids battling pediatric illnesses and cancer because Chai Lifeline—the incredible organization behind Team Lifeline—has shown me the profound difference one group of dedicated individuals can make in the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges.
Chai Lifeline is a lifeline in the truest sense of the word. For decades, this organization has been a source of hope, support and community for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses and their families. When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, the world of the entire family is turned upside down. Suddenly, their days are filled with doctor’s appointments, treatments and hospital stays. The normalcy of everyday life—school, sports, family dinners, vacations—disappears. Parents are consumed with worry, siblings often feel neglected, and the sick child faces physical and emotional challenges that most of us cannot begin to imagine.
This is where Chai Lifeline steps in. Its mission is simple yet profound: to bring joy, hope and support to children and their families. They do this through a wide range of programs and services.
One of the most impactful is Camp Simcha. This isn’t just a camp; it’s a magical place where kids who have spent too much time in hospital rooms can finally be kids again. Picture this: a child in a wheelchair zip-lining across the camp, their face lit up with joy. Or a group of kids in matching tie-dye shirts singing at the top of their lungs, forgetting for a moment the treatments and medications that await them back home.
Camp Simcha is a place where illness takes a backseat to laughter, friendship and adventure. The staff, including counselors, medical professionals and volunteers, goes above and beyond to create an environment where every child feels celebrated and cherished. For many kids, Camp Simcha is the highlight of their year—a place where they gain the strength and resilience to face the challenges ahead.
Why I Joined Team Lifeline
Chai Lifeline’s work inspired me to take action, and joining Team Lifeline was my way of giving back. Team Lifeline is Chai Lifeline’s endurance training program, where participants run marathons and half-marathons to raise funds for the organization. Every runner commits not only to crossing the finish line but also to raising critical funds that enable Chai Lifeline to continue its life-changing work.
For me, running for Team Lifeline isn’t just about the race. It’s about being part of something bigger than myself. It’s about channeling the strength and courage I’ve witnessed in these kids into every step I take. When the miles get tough, I think about the children and families Chai Lifeline serves. I think about the smiles at Camp Simcha, the relief on a parent’s face when they receive a hot meal during a long hospital stay and the resilience of kids who refuse to let illness define them.
Running with Team Lifeline also brings together a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. The energy at the Miami Marathon is electric. Hundreds of runners—all wearing Team Lifeline jerseys—hit the pavement with one shared goal: to support these incredible kids. It’s a powerful reminder of the good we can accomplish when we come together for a cause.
Participating in the Miami Marathon with Team Lifeline isn’t just about the run. It’s about the impact we can make together. The funds raised by Team Lifeline runners go directly to supporting Chai Lifeline’s programs and services. Every dollar makes a difference. It helps send kids to Camp Simcha, provides counseling to families in crisis and offers respite care to parents who desperately need a break.
Whether as a runner, donor or cheerleader, you’re not just contributing to an organization, you are changing lives. You’re giving kids with cancer and chronic illnesses the chance to experience a sense of normalcy. You’re reminding families that they are not alone in their journey. And you’re empowering Chai Lifeline to continue its critical work in communities around the world.
Why You Should Join Us
If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference in the world, this is your opportunity. Whether you’re an experienced runner or have never run a mile in your life, Team Lifeline welcomes everyone. The training program provides the tools you need to succeed—from a personalized training schedule to a supportive network of coaches and teammates.
But more than that, running for Team Lifeline gives you a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the finish line. When you run for these kids, you’re saying to them: “I see you. I care about you. And I’m here for you.” That message is incredibly powerful.
If running isn’t your thing, there are still so many ways to get involved. You can donate to a Team Lifeline runner, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about the amazing work Chai Lifeline is doing. Every action, no matter how small, helps create a brighter future for these kids and their families.
As someone who has seen firsthand the impact Chai Lifeline has on families, I can’t stress enough how much your support means. These kids and their families face battles most of us cannot comprehend. But with organizations like Chai Lifeline, they don’t have to face those battles alone.
So I invite you to join me in this journey. Whether you run, donate or cheer from the sidelines, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s rally around these kids and show them that they are not alone. Let’s give them the strength to keep fighting.
When I cross the finish line at the Miami Marathon, it won’t just be a personal victory. It will be a victory for every child who has ever faced a life-threatening illness, for every family who has found solace in Chai Lifeline’s support and for every person who believes in the power of community to create change.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can be the lifeline these kids need. Will you join us?