On Air with Chai: Recent Episodes
Bryan Strasberg
Chai Lifeline Canada is a non-profit organization that provides support to children and families who are facing life-threatening and chronic illness. When a child is born with or develops a serious illness, every member of the family and every aspect of every day is impacted. While medical teams at the hospital are focused on the immediate health of an ill baby, child or teenager, Chai Lifeline Canada's team is dedicated to the wellbeing of the patient, their siblings, and their parents.
All of Chai Lifeline Canada's 25 year-round programs and services - from a dedicated Case Manager to the
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 mental health challenges, effective strategies for managing them, and the support available for those in need. Our enlightening conversation with Dr. Louise Gallagher sheds light on a groundbreaking initiative at SickKids, where every child entering the hospital undergoes mental health screening. Moreover, we delve into the training provided to hospital staff, equipping them with the necessary skills to address mental health concerns in children. Dr. Gallagher also shares valuable insights on collaborative efforts she is involved in through the Youth Mental Health Collaborative. Join us on "On Air with Chai" as we navigate this vital conversation surrounding mental health. Your understanding and support are crucial in raising awareness and promoting well-being. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to support this impactful podcast.
If you need help or you know someone that needs help, it is not a weakness to reach out.
Distress lines listed on the CAMH site:
When in need of someone to talk to. Operated by various agencies. Open 24 hours a day (unless otherwise indicated):
- Talk Suicide: 1 833 456-4566 or text 45645
- Toronto Distress Centres: 416 408-4357 or 408-HELP
- Gerstein Centre: 416 929-5200
- Spectra Helpline: 416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777 for Brampton and Mississauga residents
TTY: 905 278-4890; Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Portuguese - Assaulted Women's Helpline: 416 863-0511; Toll-free: 1 866 863-0511
- Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868; Languages: English and French
- Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital: 416 495-2891 for 24/7 telephone crisis support.
Service borders: south to the lake, north to Steeles Avenue, east to Port Union Road, and west to Victoria Park - Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line: 905 666-0483
- Distress Centre Halton: For Residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville). Oakville: 905-849-4541; Burlington: 905-681-1488; Milton/Halton Hills: 905-877-1211
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CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 that assistance from organizations like Chai Lifeline Canada can have. By embracing the support of their dedicated case manager, Karen found the strength to navigate the overwhelming circumstances and prevent herself from being overwhelmed. Discover the valuable lessons learned from Karen's journey of resilience and the significance of accepting help as a lifeline during difficult times. Tune in to "On Air with Chai" for an inspiring conversation. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to support this empowering podcast.
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CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 themselves. When faced with challenges such as difficulty in school, making friends, or navigating tough times at home, children may struggle to open up and share their experiences. However, through the power of play, they find a natural outlet for self-expression. Yossi Turpin's expertise in play therapy allows him to discern subtle clues and uncover hidden emotions that may go unnoticed in traditional psychotherapy. By observing how a child interacts with toys, a wealth of insights can be gained into their inner world. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the transformative potential of play therapy. Tune in to "On Air with Chai" and gain a deeper understanding of how play can unlock profound healing and growth for children. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to support this invaluable podcast.
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CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 exhausted from the battle and was prepared to give up, even as she faced her last surgery. However, a remarkable shift occurred within her, igniting a newfound determination to embrace life and conquer cancer. Rivka courageously faced her final surgery, even if it meant risking her leg. Today, she not only stands victorious but also teaches at the very school where she spent her formative years, rediscovering the joy and love for life. Prepare to be inspired by Rivka's resilient spirit and renewed outlook. Tune in to "On Air with Chai" and be a part of this incredible story of triumph. Don't forget to subscribe and share your 5-star review to support this empowering podcast.
_________________________________
CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 shares exciting insights about a consortium dedicated to advancing cancer treatment. Prepare to be inspired as we learn about their recent achievement—a remarkable $23 million grant to support their research endeavors. This consortium brings together esteemed doctors and organizations, pooling their expertise to drive significant advancements in the field. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in pediatric cancer treatment. Tune in to "On Air with Chai" and be part of the conversation. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review to support this enlightening podcast.
For more information on the consortium you can find it here:
https://www.sickkids.ca/en/news/archive/2023/canadian-pediatric-cancer-consortium-launches-to-advance-research-in-paediatric-cancer-care/
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CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 extraordinary adventure through the vibrant city of Philadelphia. From indulging in ice cream and milkshakes to wearing Sisi's favorite princess dress and even crashing a wedding photoshoot in a park, they created cherished memories and ensured Sisi's happiness was at the forefront. Sisi, a born optimist, radiates positivity, and hearing her story will leave you with a beaming smile and a newfound appreciation for the power of positivity. Don't miss the chance to experience this incredibly infectious and uplifting narrative. Tune in to "On Air with Chai" and be inspired. Don't forget to subscribe and share your review.
________________________________ CREDITS Produced By: Bryan Strasberg Edited By: Bryan Strasberg Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 embracing help. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story and gain valuable insights into resilience, humility, and the transformative power of support. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of "On Air with Chai." Subscribe now to hear this compelling conversation and be sure to leave us a review.
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CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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 her body's challenges, and accepts the changes that lie ahead. She continues to inspire others through her written works, available on Amazon, such as "Shining Star" and "Operation Eye", which both can be found on Amazon. To learn more about Maya's extraordinary story and gain valuable insights, listen to "On Air with Chai." Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review to support this empowering podcast.
Amazon Links
Shining Star https://a.co/d/eeEJYhA
Operation Eye https://a.co/d/cFQZFpI
_______________________________________
CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
When the word "camp" is mentioned, it often evokes thoughts of a summer filled with cherished memories—running under the sun, swimming in a lake, boating adventures, and the formation of lifelong friendships. Sadly, not all children have the opportunity to partake in this enriching summer experience. That's where Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special step in, providing an environment brimming with non-stop activities, a vibrant camaraderie among bunkmates, and the joyous sounds of singing and dancing. These camps not only foster independence but also nurture the development of self-confidence. They offer a unique haven for children battling chronic illnesses, enabling them to forge a community where they can share their hopes and dreams as they journey through life.
At Camp Simcha, our core mission is to restore the essence of childhood to those who lost it upon receiving a life-altering diagnosis. To achieve this, we combine a diverse range of camp activities such as sports, arts and crafts, swimming, boating, captivating camp shows, and exciting special events. These activities are complemented by our dedicated and empathetic counselors, who possess the expertise to keep our campers laughing and engaged from dawn till dusk.
Meanwhile, Camp Simcha Special takes an individualized approach by allowing campers to explore their personal interests and cultivate new skills. Whether it's baseball, photography, videography, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, or even rocketry, we provide an environment tailor-made for their unique passions. Each camper is assigned a trained counselor who acts as their guide and special friend, ensuring that every moment at camp surpasses their expectations. As a result, Camp Simcha Special transforms the mindset of "I can't" into the exclamation of "Wow! That was fun!"
For more information about Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special visit:
https://www.campsimcha.org/
___________________________________
CREDITS
Produced By: Bryan Strasberg
Edited By: Bryan Strasberg
Hosted By: Rabbi Mordechai Rothman
Hosted By: Bryan Strasberg
Guests Booked By: Orly Davis and Bryan Strasberg
Artwork by: Candace Alper
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, where he runs one of our local shuls. You have to ask, when a rabbi has his own faith tested, how does he remain steadfast in his own belief and still be able to lead a community? How does this diagnosis change him as a father? How were his outlook on life and religion affected? His newfound perspective, as well as answers to the questions above and more, are all shared with us during this awe-inspiring conversation.
It's important to know where you came from in order to navigate where you're going. This is true for your personal life as well as for business. When starting up a business you're going to make mistakes and create learning opportunities. None of this is without risk of course and that is what Choni Freid and Mordechai Rothman discuss in todays episode. Choni was the first employee and Director of Development that was hired by Mordy in 2008. He helped launch Chai Lifeline Canada in the right direction and put the organization in front of the right people, raising money to help run programs and expand services. In our conversation, they take us through a journey of the beginning of Chai Lifeline Canada, the risks that were taken, the questions that were asked, the way of evaluating a situation, knowing how to use a person's strengths to your advantage and knowing how to turn a no or a not right now into a different ask.
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 their very busy days to be with us and expound their knowledge. We will be back with Season 2, so stay tuned.
Bracha Silver comes to us with a heartbreaking story about her son Avi, who was taken before his time. Struggling with the diagnosis as any parent would, Bracha turned towards her community for support. Whether it was having a concert for Avi in her dining room before shabbos or feeding him his favourite food, she never gave up hope.
The loss of a child is never easy, finding the strength to continue is even harder. Bracha Silver takes us through the hardest time of her life and how she managed to pull her self through with the love and support of community.
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.
On todays episode we have the pleaseure of speaking with a past casemanager Dena Benayon and a past client Eden Filonov. This story shows the true meaning of Chai Lifeline as a whole. This incredible story of a casemanager client relationship blossoming into a beautiful and lasting friendship, with an amazing twist. You’ll have to listen to find out what that twist is. Enjoy
From not being interested in science while living in Germany, to becoming the CEO of SickKids Hospital in Toronto Ontario. Find out about one of the most difficult jobs during the pandemic, running a hospital. Plus, we learn about the innovations that Cohn Lab is coming up with.
From a regular teenager to a diagnosis with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, listen as Amanda tells us about how her life was turned upside down, and how she fought to continue doing what she loved most, figure skating. Amanda was a Junior Team Canada Figure Skater when she was diagnosed and that her love and passion for the sport propelled to where she is today.
Find out what it takes to open up a Chai Lifeline Office and start one of the biggest fundraiser events for Chai Lifeline. Join us as we speak with Moshe Turke, who opened the Mid-West office in Chicago at the young age of 20 and went on to co-create Team Lifeline.
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 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 feet, 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.
On our very first inaugural episode, we speak with Rabbi Simcha Scholar the creator and CEO of Chai Lifeline. We discuss where the idea of Chai Lifeline came from, its initial roots in Camp Simcha and expanding into Case Management. This is Part 1 of a 2 part conversation.
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 Turpin, is no different and is building relationships and making meaningful impacts after only a few months.
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 valuable insight and knowledge.