sjhchild

Established in 2008

Susan and Jack Holender, originally from North Jersey, relocated to Blue Bell, PA to be closer to their children. Jack is a retired Chief Financial Officer, and Susan worked as a nursery school teacher. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

They have always had a commitment to serve, and charitable giving has long been a part of their lives. Jack served on the Board of Advisors of Sarah Care of the Lehigh Valley, an adult daycare services provider. Susan has taken a special interest in fighting breast cancer, raising funds and walking in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer three-day, 60-mile walk. Her involvement with the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Auxiliary and the Breast Cancer Action Group has also made a difference in the community.

They have been particularly involved in championing children’s causes. This interest was accelerated when two of their grandchildren underwent medical treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. At about this time, they were inspired by the passion of friends who introduced them to the need for palliative care for children. These programs improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care makes seriously ill patients more comfortable by treating their symptoms, addressing physical and emotional pain and suffering, and supporting them and their families during and after treatment.

This inspiration prompted them to start the Susan & Jack Holender Children’s Fund at The Philadelphia Foundation, in memory of and in dedication to their parents, Gloria & Lester Levine, and Sara & Harold Holender.

“We worked hard all our lives, and now we’re blessed financially to be able to do something. We’re charity-minded and we wanted to give something back,” Jack said. “We also want to set an example for our children and grandchildren, that there’s more to the world than each of us individually, and that you do what you can.”

The fund is dedicated to helping the sickest of children who face the most difficult diagnoses. Grants from the fund will help relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for children and their families facing serious problems associated with life-threatening illnesses.

The Holender’s believe every child should have the right to a happy and healthy childhood. To that end, the fund will support opportunities for the most vulnerable children to experience joyful