(Courtesy of Chai Lifeline) Nearly 500 Bike4Chai cyclists rode more than more than 50,000 combined miles to benefit children with serious illness on August 13. Now in its 11th year, Bike4Chai raises funds for Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network which provides emotional, social and financial assistance to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families.

This year’s one-day ride featured three scenic route options of 80, 100 and 120 miles. Cyclists departed from Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, New Jersey, at staggered intervals to maintain proper distancing until they reached the gates of Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s summer camp for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities in Glen Spey, New York. There, the riders enjoyed an outdoor lunch just outside of camp before returning to the finish line back in Vernon.

“In addition to the day-to-day challenges of pediatric illness, this year, our families are confronted with a global pandemic and its devastating health and economic effects,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW, director of Chai Lifeline NJ/PA and executive director of Bike4Chai. “We have a tremendous amount of appreciation and gratitude to our dedicated cyclists and community of supporters who have stepped up during these trying times. Their unwavering commitment to Chai Lifeline’s mission enables us to continue to provide critical services when our families need us most.”

Chai Lifeline’s more than two dozen year-round programs and services, including professional case management and counseling, meal delivery to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, Project Chai crisis intervention, insurance advocacy, i-Shine afterschool national programs for children living with illness or loss in their homes, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, and more.

Learn more at www.chailifeline.org.