Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The TCS New York City Marathon is nothing short of extraordinary. The  marathon (branded TCS New York City Marathon and formerly branded ING New York City Marathon for sponsorship reasons) is an annual marathon that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. It is the largest marathon in the world.

Running along-side 50,000 runners from across the world is an experience like none other. On Nov. 6, 2016, Rachel Zimmerman ran the five boroughs as part of Team Lifeline. Zimmerman, along with 20 other runners on Team Lifeline, ran for the children and families of Chai Lifeline, a cause near and dear to her heart.

In 2015, Zimmerman was given news a parent never wants to hear. Her 8-year-old son, Nochy, was diagnosed with Perthes disease, a rare disease that affects his hips. Nochy spent months in a double legged cast and is now in a brace, which makes getting around difficult. No more sports, no more running around outside with his friends. Thankfully Chai Lifeline stepped in to support the Zimmerman family. They turned their upside-down world right-side-up. Chai Lifeline volunteers brought Nochy presents, set up activities for Nochy's siblings to attend twice a month, and even paired Nochy up with a big brother. This summer, Nochy spent two weeks at Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline's unbelievable medically supervised overnight camp. And so, Zimmrman ran with Team Lifeline, in honor of her son and in honor of all of the support Chai Lifeline has given her family.

Team Lifeline offers individuals the opportunity to reach a personal goal, while helping make a seriously ill child smile. Participants train for several weeks to prepare for the race, and crossing that finish line is incredibly rewarding. Running or biking for a cause brings that reward to a whole new level. Each individual participant is making a difference in the life of a sick child and their family.

Chai Lifeline's mission is to bring joy to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Chai Lifeline's programs were created to alleviate the emotional, social, and financial challenges facing families living with pediatric illness. Chai Lifeline provides fun and support to these children, their parents, and their siblings.

Team Lifeline participates in four amazing races each year, including the Miami Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, NYC Marathon and Lake Tahoe Bike Ride. To learn more about Team Lifeline, visit http://www.teamlifeline.org.