As hundreds of kites sailed brilliantly through the sky, over 1000 community members turned out to support Elliot’s Legacy- Uniting against Lung Cancer. Now in its sixth year, Kites for a Cure did not disappoint. This inspirational and extraordinary afternoon once again attracted community members of all ages to help strengthen the battle against lung cancer.
“Thank you for the love and support shown by the community and friends of Elliot’s Legacy. Their generosity continues in helping us find a cure for lung cancer, so that can truly be Elliot’s Legacy”, said the Chalme Family.
As one of the most anticipated events of the summer, there was so much to enjoy- carnival rides, face painting, rock climbing, a delicious barbeque, a children’s Chinese Auction, but by far the most uplifting was the kite flying. Children colored and designed hundreds of kites delivering messages to loved ones. The weather proved to be both pleasurable and calming as the kites proliferated in the sky!
Elliot’s Legacy was founded in memory of Elliot Chalme, A”H by his family and friends. Elliot’s warmhearted and congenial personality allowed him to cherish every moment of his life. Elliot was a kite enthusiast, an avid cyclist, and a man who lived every moment of life to its fullest. Elliot’s smile radiated like the sun and he inspired young and old to not sweat the small stuff as life is too precious. After a final bout with lung cancer, Elliot was taken from us at the early age of 56.
The mission statement for Elliot’s Legacy aims to fight lung cancer and save lives by funding innovative research and increasing awareness of the world’s leading cancer killer. Elliot’s Legacy is now a leading resource in the search for new and ameliorated treatments, as well as a cure for lung cancer. In just eight years of funding we have awarded over $10 Million in research grants. We are honored and grateful for your support, and to have you on our side in the fight to beat lung cancer.
But the need for more research is extremely essential in finding a cure, and the stats don’t lie.
- Every three minutes another person is diagnosed with lung cancer. While 438 people die of lung cancer everyday.
- Lung cancer kills more people than all other cancers combined.
- Nearly twice as many women die from lung cancer than breast cancer.
- 15% of non-smokers, 505 former smokers, and 35% current smokers die from lung cancer.
One guest added, “It was my first time attending Elliot’s Legacy. What a fun and inspirational afternoon! My family and I are pleased to support such a vital and worthwhile cause. We look forward to attend next year. Hopefully a cure is found in the near future.”
Thank you to Ricky and Jamie Cohen for generously opening up their home. Many thanks to the dedicated committee: Sophia Braha, Geri Chalme, Vanessa Chalme, Audrey Dweck, Joyce Haddad, Mary Setton, Jamie Shamosh, Deborah Shiloach, and Shannon Wahba.
A special thank you to all the Chalme grandchildren and cousins and to all the young volunteers:, Susan Barnathan, Michael Chakkalo, Marcelle Cohen, Elliot Dweck Margo Dweck, Lillian Ishak, Jeff Jammal, Esther Levy, Murray Maleh, Jacqueline Mamiye, Eliana Navarro, Evan Plout, Estelle Saad, Grace Savdie, Marcelle Setton, Erica Tawil, Jojo Tawil, Rachel Wahba, and Rena Weitzman. Thanks for Kenny Tawil for capturing the beautiful smiles on the children’s faces and to Zami caterers for the delicious BBQ.
Elliot’s wife, Robin, and his sons Raymond, Hy, and Richie were grateful for the amazing turnout for the day. For more information about Elliot’s Legacy please visit www.elliotslegacy.org.
