A Hanukkah Wonderland for Children Battling Cancer

The elevator opened on the 10th floor of the Safra Center, to a room filled with laughter, music, and sparkling lights, thirteen brave children battling cancer enjoying a Hanukkah Wonderland.   The event was organized by Toys for Simcha and graciously hosted by philanthropist Michelle Domb. JJ Hecht, CEO of Toys for Simcha, shared, "The Tzemach Tzedek taught, 'Think good, and it will be good,' a belief that positive thoughts can shape reality. This principle is the inspiration for our work. We create joyful, uplifting environments for hospitalized children, knowing that happiness can aid healing. Happy kids heal faster."

The room sparkled with light-up balloons and decor by Simply Stunning. A tower of exquisitely wrapped presents greeted guests at the door, a candy wall and sufganiyot cart took center stage, and a face-painting, balloon-making corner was the icing on the cake.

The children and their families played, danced, and celebrated, forgetting their immense pain and challenges. After a delicious meal, the kids enjoyed a fantastic musical performance by Sandy Shmueli and Moish. The kids clapped along to upbeat tunes spiced with jazz. Next, they kindled the menorah. The candlelights glistened, but nothing shone brighter than the faces of the adorable children. The evening ended with the kids showing off their moves on the dance floor with DJ Jewel NY. All the vendors volunteered their services to bring joy to the kids.

On her way out, one mom shared, "Thank you! The party was incredible, but the biggest gift was witnessing my daughter laughing and giggling like any other kid."

Toys for Simcha is on a mission to bring happiness to sick children. Why? Because happy kids heal faster. This party was their mission in action!

Thank you to all the vendors for donating their time and expertise.

You made it magical for the kids!!

Simply stunning @rentafete

Beautiful balloon art @balloonsbycaro

Delicious food @parkeastkoshernyc

Amazing melodies @moish_official & Shmuely Sandy

Great energy @dj_jewel_ny

Magical touch @magicalgarber

Toys @daniellamoffsonfoundation

Welcome to our new Board Member!

We're thrilled to announce that Dr. David Kashan, a renowned plastic surgeon, is joining our Board of Directors! 

Dr. Kashan brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our organization. His commitment to helping children is inspiring. 

His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and making a meaningful difference in the lives of hospitalized children.

Sagi The Warrior

Imagine a kid's devastation being told his neuroblastoma has relapsed for the third time, and how that sweet 12-year-old boy just wants to be well enough to go to school and hang out with his friends. 

Sagi is mesmorized by VR. He often looks at VR headsets online, admiring how cool they seem. In honor of Sukkot, the Holiday of joy, we made Sagi's fantasy come into reality. Our volunteer Daniel took him and his family out for lunch and for dessert, we presented him with his dream gift.

"Sababa!" Sagi said with excitement. It was the Oculus Quest 3 headset! "I always wanted these!"

At that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Sagi realized that while cancer might be a part of his story, it didn’t define him. He's a warrior, he's a brother, he's a son, he's a friend, he's a kid. And... if there is one thing we are certain of, it's happy kids heal faster! 

We wish Sagi a speedy recovery!