On Sunday, September 6, more than 100 Chai Lifeline West Coast children and parents gathered in Beverlywood to spend an afternoon with Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhäuser. The children played basketball and took pictures with Niederhäuser, who also signed autographs and FaceTimed with a child who couldn’t be there because he was in the hospital.
“I had a great time,” the 23-year-old basketball player said. “I’m glad I was able to put a smile on their faces.”
“I’m glad I was able to put a smile on their faces.” – Yanic Konan Niederhäuser
While the event had originally been planned to take place in the backyard of Aric and Sabrina Zamel – where there is a Clippers court – it had to be moved indoors for most of the day because of the rain. When there were short breaks where the skies cleared, the kids played outside with Niederhäuser.
“We feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful day and to see the kids were so happy,” said Sabrina.
Dr. Michael Levi, the LA Clippers podiatrist who arranged the event, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “I always feel very inspired when I can participate in Chai Lifeline activities. It was wonderful to see the absolute joy Yanic brought to the Chai Lifeline kids.”
Chai Lifeline West Coast, Sohacheski Family Center, has been around since 1999. The organization helps children and families who are impacted by serious illness in California, as well as the Western United States. It hosts special events like meeting with athletes, family days at baseball stadiums and amusement parks, memorable birthday celebrations, and pampering for parents, where they can enjoy some downtime and relax with fellow moms and dads of Chai Lifeline. They also partner with hospitals on services for families, including the kosher pantry at Cedars-Sinai, Children’s Hospital Shabbat kits, and holiday celebrations like menorah lightings.
At the September 6 event, the children and families Niederhäuser spent time with reflected on just how meaningful the day ended up being.
“I received a message from a parent whose child recently became a client and has had such a hard time with his new medical needs,” one Chai Lifeline staffer said. “She said how special this event was for him and how he hasn’t been this excited and happy recently. She said, ‘You made so many kids forget about their day-to-day hardships and just really enjoy and get spoiled.’”
