Dear Friends,

For the ninth consecutive year, I am preparing to ride 180 miles over two days on July 29–30 as part of Bike4Chai, a charity bike ride benefiting children with cancer and their families through Chai Lifeline.

This year is especially meaningful to me.

I am dedicating my ride in loving memory of my cousin Ramin Shafizadeh (Avraham Ben Betzalel Z"L), who passed away on the eve of Bike4Chai 2025 — after five years of courageous battle with cancer.

Ramin was not just my first cousin. He was, in every way, like a brother to me. We grew up together in Iran, spending most of our childhood side by side. When he immigrated to the United States ahead of me in the 1980s and I followed years later, he became my compass — my guide, my support, the person I trusted most during some of the hardest chapters of my life. He encouraged me to keep going, to never give up.

Ramin was known for his fierce devotion to his family, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his wonderful sense of humor that lit up every room. He is deeply missed by his wife Ronit, his daughters Shira and Noa, his son Elia, and by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Riding in his memory,  and in support of children fighting cancer today is the most fitting tribute I can offer.

Chai Lifeline is a leading international support network serving nearly 6,000 children and families facing serious illness, crisis, and loss. They provide year-round counseling, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, and through Camp Simcha a place where seriously ill children can simply be kids.

As a physician who treats cancer patients, and as someone who has lost beloved family members and friends to this disease, this mission is profoundly personal to me. Every family I have seen navigate a child's illness knows the fear, the exhaustion, and the isolation that comes with it. Chai Lifeline ensures that no family walks that road alone.

I invite you to join me in supporting this invaluable cause. My goal is to raise $10,000, and I—along with the children of Chai Lifeline—am counting on your support to help me reach it!

You can make a difference by contributing through the link below. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

Donate here: https://www.bike4chai.com/fshafizadeh

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and generosity.

With gratitude,

Farshad