A Journey of Hope & Strength

Madelyn James family, we are so honored to share Baby Chaim’s story with you. When I first met Pessy, it was in the pods of CHOP’s out-patient center. Even as Chaim was receiving chemo, it felt like we were just two mom’s getting to know each other for the first time. By the end, we were close friends who have walked the same path.

This is why our mission is so critical: because in our world where everything moves so fast, we make people feel less alone. Thank you for supporting our work and making it possible to create calm in chaos.

This letter is directly from his mom, Pessy. Our community makes these stories of strength and hope possible. We love you all!

Maddy Double Waves,

Jackie

A note from Pessy, Chaim’s Mom

At just three months old, our precious baby was diagnosed with infant leukemia. Hearing those words was devastating, and watching him endure treatment in New York was one of the hardest experiences of our lives. Every moment was filled with worry, fear, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness as we watched our tiny miracle suffer through the aggressive treatments needed to fight his illness.

Despite everything, our brave little one tries to smile whenever he can—a small but powerful reminder of his resilience and spirit. Those precious moments of his smiles give us hope and strength to keep going, even on the toughest days.

As the doctors explained that he would need a bone marrow transplant, we felt a mixture of hope and anxiety. Our journey then led us to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where a dedicated team of specialists works tirelessly to give our baby the best chance at recovery.

A special and heartfelt part of this journey is that his bigger sister was his donor. Her selfless act of love gave him a fighting chance, and we are forever grateful for her courage and generosity.

During this ongoing battle, we met Jackie from  Madelyn James—people whose kindness and compassion continue to bring a much-needed ray of light into our lives. Their emotional support has been a source of comfort, and their financial assistance has been a huge help, especially since we can’t work regularly while spending so much time in the hospital. Before the diagnosis, we had a steady income, but the overwhelming medical expenses and our inability to work made things very difficult. Their support eased our burdens and allowed us to focus fully on our baby’s recovery.

Thanks to their unwavering support, we find the strength to stay positive and hopeful every day. Their presence reminds us that we are not alone in this fight. With their help, we can concentrate on what truly matters—our baby’s health, his future, and his ongoing battle with GVHD side effects.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible team of caregivers, the organization’s compassionate outreach, and everyone who continues to stand by us through this challenging journey. It has been tough, but through it all, we have learned that hope, love, and community can shine through even the darkest moments.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a beacon of hope and support. Your kindness makes all the difference in our baby’s ongoing fight for life.

Pessy, Luzer, Malka, Matty & Chaim