(Courtesy of Chai Lifeline) More than 19,500 supporters from across the globe came out in full force to “Enlist for Chai” during Chai Lifeline’s 48-hour “Join the Fight” campaign on March 12-14. The crowdfunding initiative will help Chai Lifeline keep pace with the annual double-digit growth among its pediatric illness population.

“Chai Lifeline has always been there for the most vulnerable families in our community,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “This campaign will allow us to continue to meet the growing need for our programs and services.”

Excitement was building up in the days leading up to the campaign, with more than 1,300 Chai Lifeline volunteers, families and friends signing up to fundraise and spread the word. Dozens of Chai Lifeline staff members and volunteers, from New York City and Lakewood to Canada, Miami and Los Angeles, took to the phones and social media to enlist an army of global support.

“This campaign showed the world what is possible when a community comes together in pursuit of a common goal,” said Rabbi Scholar. “Perhaps more importantly, we showed Chai Lifeline’s 5,800 children and families that they are not alone in their battle against childhood illness. Though the fight is ongoing, with the community’s help it became just a little bit easier.”

Chai Lifeline is a leading international children’s health support network, providing social, emotional and financial assistance to children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses and their families.

To learn more about Chai Lifeline, please visit www.chailifeline.org.