New York—Nearly 500 campers and staff and medical personnel from Camp Simcha, an overnight camp for children and teens with cancer and other hematologic illnesses, gathered in Times Square for a special and inspirational musical performance. In a unique twist, the campers were joined by members of the New York City Police Department and members of the United States Army.

At 7:30 p.m., campers assembled at the bleacher/promenade area in Times Square, (near TKTS), and performed a variation of the hit song “Hall of Fame” from the Irish piano rock band, The Script. The main theme of the song, is the idea that you can be anything you want to be or do anything you want to do, and is highlighted by the words “Dedicate yourself, and you will find yourself standing in the hall of fame.” This powerful and inspiring message of hope and resilience was especially poignant for these special campers who are each working to overcome the cancer that has stricken them.

With a specially written song, wonderful choreography and remarkable props, the campers captivated the crowd and conveyed a resounding and rousing message that they are indeed warriors who are striving for the “Hall of Fame.”

The Times Square performance was the culmination of an exciting trip to New York City for the children from the upstate New York camp.

“The opportunity to perform at ‘the crossroads of the world’ in Times Square is an experience that inevitably left an indelible mark on these extraordinary children,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Executive Vice President of Chai Lifeline. “Watching these children, each of whom is battling cancer, stand alongside New York’s Finest and sing and dance about being ‘warriors’ and overcoming all odds undoubtedly inspired each and every one of us. This was truly a sight to behold.”

Camp Simcha is the only kosher camp for children with cancer, together with its sister camp, Camp Simcha Special, which is for children with life-threatening and life-long illness. Close to 450 children come from 60 locations worldwide with all expenses paid, including transportation, for a life altering experience. Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special have a large medical staff (doctors, nurses, EMTs and physical therapists) with their own ambulances, in addition to access to a helicopter for emergencies.

Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special is a project of Chai Lifeline, a worldwide organization founded in 1987, whose mission has been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed. Through programs that address the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities, Chai Lifeline restores normalcy to family life, and better enables families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness.

For more information, visit www.chailifeline.org and www.campsimcha.org.