On Air With Chai

TRIGGER WARNING! Prepare for a thought-provoking episode of "On Air with Chai," where we delve into the critical topic of mental health. Please note that some discussions within this episode may touch upon sensitive subjects. Mental health has garnered significant attention, especially since the onset of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns. We aim to explore the contributing factors to men...

Delve into an engaging episode of "On Air with Chai" and explore the inspiring journey of Karen and her daughter, Jessica, as they navigate the challenges of a Low grade glioma-astrocytoma brain tumor diagnosis. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of accepting help during times of crisis. Karen's story sheds light on the importance of humility and the profound impact th...

Discover the profound impact of play therapy on children's emotional well-being in a captivating episode of "On Air with Chai." Join us as we delve into the invaluable insights shared by Yossi Turpin, a skilled Play Therapist from Chai Lifeline Canada. Understand the significance of connecting with children on their level and creating a safe space where they can freely express themse...

Experience a truly transformative journey as we explore the remarkable story of Rivka Buchbinder on the captivating podcast, "On Air with Chai." From being diagnosed at a young age with Neurofibromatosis, a tumor affecting the peripheral nerve sheath, to enduring multiple surgeries during crucial moments in her life, Rivka underwent profound mindset shifts. There was a time when she felt...

Join us on a thought-provoking episode of "On Air with Chai" as we delve into the world of pediatric cancer. In this enlightening conversation with Dr. James Whitlock from SickKids Toronto, we explore the current landscape of cancer treatment for children and discover groundbreaking research that is revolutionizing pediatric oncology. Dr. Whitlock's enthusiasm is infectious as he sha...

Prepare to be uplifted by the heartwarming tale featured on the remarkable podcast, "On Air with Chai." Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Sisi and her devoted mother, Galit, who faced the devastating diagnosis of cancer when Sisi was just 3 years old. Instead of succumbing to despair, they embraced the philosophy of turning lemons into lemonade. Together, they embarked on an extraor...

Get ready for a deeply insightful conversation as Dr. Cheryl Book shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease at 22 to becoming the Director of Family Services at Chai Lifeline New York office. In this candid and thought-provoking episode of "On Air with Chai," Dr. Cheryl Book discusses topics ranging from survivor's guilt to the importance of embracin...

Discover the remarkable journey of Maya Sinclair through the podcast "On Air with Chai." When Maya was diagnosed with the rare 1:1,000,000 syndrome, Axenfeld Rieger syndrome, her mother Jana Popliger found herself in uncharted territory. With no one to turn to, Jana became an expert in her daughter's condition. Maya's story is truly awe-inspiring as she embraces life, understands...

Join Ari Dembitzer and Rivky Schwartz at Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, where childhood is reimagined for children facing chronic illnesses. Our vibrant camps offer non-stop activities, a supportive community, and unforgettable experiences. From sports and arts to swimming and boating, our dedicated counselors ensure every moment exceeds expectations. At Camp Simcha Special, campers explore...

As a parent, when your child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it will affect you in an infinite amount of ways, some of which you never even thought of. But when you're a person of faith — or put otherwise — a rabbi, it might make things even more complicated. At least you might think so. Rabbi Korobkin takes us through his personal story of his son's diagnosis, which helped lead him to Toronto, w...

In order to know where you're going, you need to know where you've been. In this season 2 opening for On Air with Chai, we speak with Craig Fried, the former Chai Lifeline Canada Development Director and Mordechai Rothman Executive Director of Chai Lifeline Canada about how it all began.

Thank you to all for your support of our podcast. Thank you to the listeners, you could have chosen something else to listen to, but you decided to listen to us and the amazing stories our families have to share. Thank you to our Chai Lifeline guests for allowing others into your lives and sharing your incredible stories with the world. Thank you our professional guests who took the time out of th...

Bracha Silver’s journey is one of positivity and resilience in the face of her son’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Hear how this single mother of five cared for her son through his last days, making her home a place of spirituality, personal growth and joy for the whole community. Since then, Bracha and her family have embodied giving back - raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in Avi’s memory fo...

Rik Zortman aka the Human Etch-A-Sketch is a sad story of loss and grief. Rik takes us through his story and his grief and how he has learned to cope with the loss of his son. You'll learn why he is called the Human Etch-A-Sketch. 

This episode of On Air with Chai features former client Eden Filonov, her Case Manager, Dina Benayon and their enduring friendship. Their story is a moving example of the strong relationships that are central to providing support to a young person who is fighting critical illness. There is something about these two, though, that takes everything to the next level. No spoilers here, grab some tissu...

Dr. Ronald Cohn went from not being interested in science in high school, to becoming the CEO of SickKids Hospital in Toronto. In this episode of On Air with Chai, we talk with Dr. Cohn about the trials and tribulations of running one of the largest children's hospitals in North America. He discusses what it was like from his perspective during the pandemic and shares that he continues to see pati...

Amanda Kauffman’s dream of becoming Canada’s World Junior Figure Skating champion was put on hold with a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 17 years-old. She applied the drive and discipline from skating to her treatment and recovery - working toward her number one goal of getting back on the ice. With the love and support of her family, teammates, and coaches she did just that - com...

Join us as we speak with Moshe Turke, who opened the Chai Lifeline Mid-West office in Chicago at the young age of 20 in 1995. He also co-create Team Lifeline where the team started off as 24 runners and raised $150,000 in 2006 and have grown the team to 200+ runners and raising $3.5million currently. 

Asaph talks to us about his son Gabriel's diagnosis of cancer. He goes into great detail about how they got through the hardest of times as a family, their response to the treatment plan and even as far as creating a treatment plan that may have very well saved his son. We hope that you gain insight, hope, inspiration and strength from this incredible story. 

In part 2 of our conversation, we continue the discussion of the importance of Case Managers. We dive into the realm of fundraising, and the importance of Chai Lifeline in times of crisis.  Enjoy Part 2 

Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, starting a charity from scratch is even harder. Relying on the generosity of others in order to be able to provide programs and services for Chai Lifeline families, takes a lot of hard work. When you have such an incredibly worthy cause such as helping children who are either terminally or chronically ill, the generosity of others comes pouring in....

Chai Lifeline Canada offers a myriad of services and programs to children and families living with illness. Case management, one of our services, is one-on-one personal support by a trained professional who is there to offer support to families in all areas. We’re lucky to have a wonderful case management team, with each member excelling in different areas. Our newest addition to the team, Yossi T...

CHAI LIFELINE CANADA SUPPORTS CHILDREN AND PARENTS WHO ARE FACING LIFE-THREATENING OR LIFE-LONG ILLNESS by providing services that foster resilience and hope for the whole family.  We lead with dedication and integrity and bring empathy, respect, and humility to the families and community we serve. While medical teams at the hospital are focused on the immediate health of an ill child or pare...

In 2021, we initiated an Annual Campaign to help raise the necessary funds to revitalize five areas of Chai Lifeline Canada. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we successfully raised enough to begin this process, starting with our Volunteer Department. Our volunteer department ensures that every member of every Chai Lifeline Canada family is supported.

Navigating the endemic: tools to promote children's wellness as they reintegrate into a new world. Chai lifeline Canada is bringing together a panel of experts who work with children, teens, and parents in the fields of Mental health, Wellness and Medicine. This is an opportunity for families struggling to find balance with the ever-changing restrictions to answer pressing questions and gain valua...