Glen Spey, NY – On the advice of its medical director, Dr. Peter Steinherz, and its associate medical director, Dr. Leonard Wexler, both leading pediatric oncologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Chai Lifeline has decided to conclude the current Camp Simcha session five days early.
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Several children were diagnosed with viral flu influenza. They were immediately isolated from the rest of the camp population and they have already returned home. The final two sessions of camp have not been affected. The next session will begin on August 2.
“The medical directors have made this decision for the safety of all campers,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, executive vice president of Chai Lifeline. “Children fighting cancer have weakened immune systems, and our first priority is to safeguard their health. While no children are in danger, the medical staff has taken the prudent step of ending this session to ensure that no other children are exposed to the flu.”
While they are undoubtedly sad about missing even one day of camp, Camp Simcha’s campers will continue to find joy and camaraderie during Chai Lifeline’s year-round activities and programs and their ongoing friendships with counselors and bunkmates.
Individuals with questions about campers can call the Camp Simcha office, 845 856-1432. Please direct media and other inquiries to Chai Lifeline, 212 465-1300.
Oiy, nebach! Camp Simcha is the best medicine for the kids. My son loved it with all his heart. I am sure it was such a hard decision for rabbi scholar to make.
The decision must have been so hard to make despite being so clear-cut. Thank you, once again, Chai Lifeline for taking such good care of our kids!! Boys, I am sure next year will be even more exciting!!
Hi kol hakoved to chai life line, they do a unbelievable job, what ever they do is rich, enjoyable and with there whole heart.
Its so sad, I pity my son so much, this 2 weeks are the high light of the year for my beloved son, (he have a hard life) and he is looking forward for this time the whole year, he counts down the days since Pesach, he called me up on the phone yesterday, so down and upset.
Anyway they do what they have to do, and what’s right to do, and we are apriceate your good work, maybe a small suggest, maybe at the end of the summer u make just a shabbos for those kids who came home early, to fill in the shabbos they was missing. ether way, thanks so much chai life line, and camp simcha, for bringing so much joy to our kids, and there family.